Biodegradation is the biologically mediated transformation and mineralization of organic or inorganic substances by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and archaea, often via extracellular and intracellular enzymatic pathways. It proceeds through sequential steps including depolymerization, primary degradation to smaller intermediates, and ultimate mineralization to CO₂, CH₄, H₂O, inorganic salts, and biomass under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. In environmental and engineering contexts, biodegradation governs the fate of pollutants, natural organic matter, and synthetic materials, and is a central process in bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and life-cycle assessment of chemicals and polymers.
The PET (polyethylene terephthalate)-alternative PDCA (pyridinedicarboxylic acid) is biodegradable and has superior physical properties, according to a recent study. A Kobe University team of bioengineers engineered E. coli ...
Cell & Microbiology
Sep 4, 2025
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132
Cape Town has consistently been one of the metropolitan regions in South Africa with the highest murder rates. It has more than double the national average, and is currently ranked second overall and 16th worldwide. Many ...
Biotechnology
Sep 3, 2025
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34
For years, scientists have marveled at bacteria's ability to digest the seemingly indigestible, including carbon from lignin, the tough, woody material that gives plants their rigidity.
Cell & Microbiology
Sep 2, 2025
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152
Mealworms and superworms may nibble at one of the world's most stubborn plastics, but new research from The University of Western Australia shows they can't actually break it down.
Plants & Animals
Aug 27, 2025
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22
When you throw out food waste, even though it's organic material, it doesn't just harmlessly decompose at the landfill. This process releases methane. In a 20-year period, methane is 80–85 times more potent as a greenhouse ...
Environment
Aug 20, 2025
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32
With conventional waste management systems falling short, many scientists are turning to nature for innovative solutions to the issue of plastic waste. One promising avenue is microbial degradation: harnessing the natural ...
Environment
Aug 12, 2025
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32
Scientists in Belfast and Nigeria have developed a diagnostic tool that deploys microbes to uncover the timeline of crude oil contamination in soils.
Ecology
Jul 23, 2025
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22
Plastics are one of the largest sources of pollution on Earth, lasting for years on land or in water. But a new type of brilliantly colored cellulose-based plastic detailed in ACS Nano could change that. By adding citric ...
Nanomaterials
Jul 22, 2025
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139
Have you felt disgust when taking a walk along the riverside or plunging into the sea to escape the summer heat, only to spy a used wet wipe floating along the surface? Or shock at finding out that animals have died choking ...
Environment
Jul 19, 2025
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145
Scientists are working with microbes found in Australia's unique ecosystem to create bioplastics which break down in land, soil and water. The research aims to tackle one of the most pressing global issues—single-use plastic ...
Environment
Jul 18, 2025
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