Animals Can Break Down Natural Plastics Found in Nature

Topic: Environment

Scientists discovered that many animals can break down natural plastics called PHAs. These plastics are made by microorganisms and were thought to only be broken down by bacteria. Researchers found enzymes in over 66 animal species that can degrade PHAs.

Microorganisms have been making biodegradable plastics for millions of years. They produce compounds called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which they store inside their cells as energy and carbon reserves. Scientists thought only bacteria could break down these natural plastics, but new research shows that many animals can do it too.

The study began with a special marine worm called Olavius algarvensis. This worm has no mouth or gut, so it relies on symbiotic bacteria that live beneath its skin for nutrition. The researchers found that the worm's bacterial partner stores huge amounts of carbon as PHA. They wondered if the worm could break down this energy reserve.

The answer was yes. Researchers identified an enzyme in the worm that can break down microbial PHAs into smaller molecules that animals can use. They also found related enzymes in over 66 animal species, including marine worms, starfish, earthworms, and other terrestrial species. Laboratory tests showed that these enzymes could degrade PHAs from very different branches of the tree of life.

PHA bioplastics are used to make biodegradable plastics for everyday products like food packaging and hygiene materials. They're also used in agriculture and medicine. The new findings add another dimension to this picture by showing that many aquatic and terrestrial animals can break down PHAs.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it shows how animals can access carbon reserves stored by microorganisms. It also highlights the potential for biodegradable plastics to be broken down naturally, which could reduce waste and pollution in our environment.

Key Facts

• Over 66 animal species have enzymes that can break down PHAs.
• PHA bioplastics are used in everyday products like food packaging and hygiene materials.
• Microorganisms produce PHAs as energy and carbon reserves.
• The study was conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Germany.
• The research was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution on August 13, 2026.

Key Terms

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

Biodegradable plastics made by microorganisms as energy and carbon reserves

Symbiotic bacteria

Bacteria that live in a mutually beneficial relationship with other organisms

Implications

This discovery is important because it shows how animals can access carbon reserves stored by microorganisms. It also highlights the potential for biodegradable plastics to be broken down naturally, which could reduce waste and pollution in our environment.