Animals Can Digest Natural Bioplastics, Study Finds

Scientists have uncovered that a wide range of animal species possess enzymes capable of degrading polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of biodegradable plastics produced by microbes. The discovery, published in a recent study, shows that dozens of animals—from insects to mammals—can break down these bioplastics, a function previously thought to be exclusive to microorganisms. Researchers argue that this ability has likely evolved over hundreds of millions of years, suggesting that natural ecosystems have long contained and processed PHAs long before human-made plastics were introduced.

The study examined tissue samples from various species and identified specific PHA-degrading enzymes that facilitate the conversion of these polymers into harmless by‑products. By demonstrating that animals can metabolize PHAs, the findings challenge the prevailing view that only bacteria and fungi play a role in bioplastic degradation. The research also highlights the potential for leveraging these natural enzymes in biotechnological applications, such as developing more efficient waste‑management strategies for plastic pollution.

These results underscore the complexity of natural biodegradation pathways and suggest that ecosystems may already be equipped to handle certain types of biodegradable plastics. Further investigation into the distribution and efficiency of these enzymes could inform the design of environmentally friendly materials and improve our understanding of long‑term plastic fate in the wild.