Squid protein could be an environmentally friendly alternative to plastics, study finds

Plastic pollutes oceans around the world by harming marine life and underwater habitats, but scientists offer another sustainable solution to the problem: squid protein.

According to scientists at Penn State University, the proteins used to develop squid teeth (squid), a biopolymer located in squid tentacles and allowing them to grab their food, could be transformed into an ecological substitute for microplastics, reported the motherboard.

Squid is the new ecological plastic https://t.co/RgsUc7bdPj pic.twitter.com/5Jryz2Gfab

– Motherboard (@ motherboard) February 22, 2019

The team, which published its research in Frontiers in Chemistry On Thursday, it was suggested that different types of bacteria could be used in manufacturing industrial batches of SRT proteins. The future typically plastic products will be manufactured with this durable and environmentally friendly material. These artificial SRT proteins will be based on the same ones found in squid, so the creatures will not need to be used in the process.

"Large-scale production is needed for economically feasible and sustainable protein-based bioplastic production for medical and medical applications," the study says. "Genetically modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) The bacterium is the most established appropriate host for protein expression on an industrial scale due to the availability of expression vectors and a well understood genetics. "

Wire made from SRT proteins. (Photo credit: Melik Demirel / Penn State University)

SRT proteins can be generated in the laboratory with genetically engineered bacteria, reported CNN. This synthesis process is possible with a fermentation using three key ingredients: oxygen, sugar and water. Scientists have made different prototypes of coatings, fibers and 3D objects with SRT proteins that may one day be used in consumer products.

Although this is just an experiment, SRT proteins could help reduce microplastic pollution in the future. In addition, this biodegradable material could be found in other products and potentially reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the world's oceans.

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