A multi-institutional research team led by Nagaland University has developed a biodegradable biopolymer that could offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics and help address the growing global challenge of microplastic pollution.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that accumulate in the environment, have emerged as pollutants of global concern due to their widespread presence across ecosystems. Their small size allows them to be easily ingested by organisms, especially filter feeders, and they gradually accumulate in the food chain. Through a process known as biomagnification, the concentration of microplastics increases at each trophic level, eventually reaching humans and posing risks to both health and ecosystems.
To address this issue, researchers focused on producing a biodegradable bacterial biopolymer called Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The material was derived from a bacterial strain, Bacillus subtilis FW1, isolated from fish waste disposal sites in Mokokchung district. PHB is considered a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics as it is biodegradable, biocompatible and sourced from biological materials.
The findings were published in the Journal of Polymer Research, a peer-reviewed journal by Springer Nature. The study was conducted by the Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory under the Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, led by Dr. Pranjal Bharali, along with doctoral scholars and collaborators from institutions including Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology, Tezpur University, Bharathiar University, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya and Galgotias University.
Highlighting the significance of the research, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said, “Nagaland University takes immense pride in the successful development of a biodegradable biopolymer through a collaborative, multi-institutional research initiative led by our university. This innovative material, produced from bacteria isolated from fish waste disposal sites in Nagaland, represents a significant step forward in addressing the global challenge of microplastic pollution.”
He added, “The development of this eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional plastics highlights the importance of scientific research rooted in local resources and environmental responsibility. By offering a biodegradable solution that can help reduce plastic waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote greener industrial materials, this research demonstrates the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. Nagaland University remains committed to advancing research that contributes to environmental sustainability, supports green technologies, and benefits society at large. We congratulate the research team led by Dr. Pranjal Bharali and partner institutions for this remarkable achievement.”
The study reported that the bacterial strain could accumulate up to 69.2 per cent PHB, indicating strong production potential. The material also showed high thermostability and was found to be biocompatible with human liver cell lines, suggesting potential for biomedical use.
Dr. Pranjal Bharali stated, “Advances in microbial biotechnology, such as this study, could play a critical role in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis while creating sustainable materials that benefit both industry and the environment. This research highlights how bacterial biopolymers could help reduce dependence on fossil fuel–based plastics while contributing to a circular bioeconomy. Widespread adoption of such biodegradable materials could reduce environmental pollution, mitigate microplastic formation, lower carbon emissions and open new possibilities in sectors such as medicine, agriculture and sustainable packaging.”
He added, “Future research will focus on improving bacterial strain efficiency, optimising metabolic pathways and utilising low-cost waste-based feedstocks to make PHB production economically competitive with conventional plastics.”
Further evaluation showed that the PHB film degraded by about 59.6 per cent within 28 days in soil burial tests, indicating strong biodegradability. Researchers noted that scaling up production, improving extraction methods and increasing public awareness will be key to wider adoption of such sustainable materials.
