Beetle larvae that can break down polystyrene could yield enzymes useful in recycling plastics, researchers say — but others are not convinced.
A polystyrene-munching beetle larvae called a "superworm", can gain weight on an exclusive diet of polystyrene, researchers have found.
"In terms of activity, the worms that had the bran were super active, the polystyrene ones were a bit slower, and the ones that were starving were basically still all the time."The rate of pupation after the three-week trial was also looked at. The "worm" or larval phase of the superworm, is followed by the development of pupae — where the animal cocoons itself and metamorphoses into a darkling beetle.
"This study goes a long way towards understanding how the bacteria in [the worms'] gut do this at the molecular level," Professor Jackson said.To get that information, the researchers used genetic analysis, according to Dr Rinke. The idea, according to Dr Rinke, would be to degrade polystyrene to styrene, then use that to create new materials."The next step would be to engineer [the enzymes], to increase that efficiency.
Many researchers are sceptical about a recycling solution to polystyrene, and have called for it to be banned.
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