Plastic waste remains one of the most pressing environmental concerns in modern society. Despite efforts to reduce single-use plastics, conventional plastics and conventional polymers continue to dominate packaging, consumer goods, and industrial materials. These polymeric materials are durable yet persistent, making their disposal a global challenge.

Researchers at Kobe University have now taken a significant step toward addressing this issue by turning living cells into plastic-producing factories. The team successfully engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) to convert glucose—a renewable carbon source—into 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (2,5-PDCA), a monomer that could replace traditional fossil-based components in polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This bio-based and biodegradable plastic innovation demonstrates how biology can power the next generation of sustainable materials.

The Discovery – Turning Glucose into a Plastic Precursor

In this study, Kobe University scientists developed an advanced microbial process to produce PDCA, a nitrogen-containing molecule that can serve as a building block for biodegradable and compostable plastics. Using genetic and metabolic engineering, they reprogrammed E. coli to efficiently transform glucose into PDCA without unwanted by-products.

This breakthrough achieved production levels seven times higher than previously reported biosynthetic attempts. Such efficiency marks a turning point for scaling bio-based plastic precursors at the commercial scale, paving the way for more economically viable alternatives to petroleum-derived materials. These advancements bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and sustainable manufacturing of bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

Inside the Science – Rewiring Metabolism for PDCA

To reach these impressive yields, the researchers reconstructed the bacterial metabolism through a multi-step pathway: from glucose to p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), then onward to PDCA. Each enzyme in the sequence was carefully optimized to maximize conversion while reducing energy loss, a critical step in preventing the degradation of reference material and improving reaction efficiency.

Production of 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (2,5-PDCA) from glucose in test-tube culture. (Katano et al., 2025)

One obstacle arose when a key enzyme began producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a by-product, which risked damaging the reaction itself. The team overcame this by introducing a compound that neutralizes H₂O₂, improving both yield and stability. This solution highlights the precision required to balance biological chemistry within engineered cells.

The study also stands out for its integration of nitrogen assimilation pathways. Unlike most conventional polymers that contain only carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, PDCA incorporates nitrogen. This introduces new material properties and broadens the scope of bio-manufacturable molecules.

Why PDCA Matters – Expanding the Chemistry of Sustainability

The potential of PDCA extends beyond replacing fossil-based PET. Its nitrogen-containing structure could improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, and controlled biodegradability in future polymers. These properties make it a promising candidate for packaging, textiles, and high-durability applications where conventional bioplastics and other types of bioplastics often fall short.

Moreover, using glucose as the feedstock ensures that PDCA production aligns with renewable and circular manufacturing principles. It also demonstrates how advances in synthetic biology can expand the library of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics derived from natural processes rather than petrochemical synthesis.

The Bigger Picture – Sustainable Manufacturing Outlook

Kobe University’s research adds momentum to the global shift toward bio-based manufacturing. Microbial cell factories are increasingly seen as the cornerstone of a future where plastics, fuels, and chemicals are derived from renewable biological sources rather than non-renewable ones.

However, challenges remain. Industrial-scale PDCA production will require further optimization of enzyme stability, purification methods, and cost efficiency. Polymer testing will also determine whether PDCA-based plastics meet commercial performance and biodegradability standards. 

Still, this work provides a model for how universities and industries can collaborate on synthetic biology for materials innovation, accelerating the transition to low-carbon manufacturing and tackling the root causes of plastic waste and environmental concerns.

© TANAKA Tsutomu (CC BY)

Final Thoughts

Kobe University’s breakthrough shows that microbial engineering can be more than a laboratory curiosity—it can reshape how we design and produce materials. By merging biochemistry and polymer science, researchers have demonstrated a viable route toward renewable, high-performance plastics that could one day replace petroleum-based polymers.

For scientists and innovators exploring similar biosynthetic or microbial production methods, quality lab essentials like biotechnology laboratory supplies, culture media, and analytical services can support experimental workflows and materials research. 

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References:

1. Katano, A., Mori, A., Nonaka, D., Mori, Y., Noda, S., & Tanaka, T. (2025). Biosynthesis of 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate from glucose via p-aminobenzoic acid in Escherichia coli. Metabolic Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2025.08.011

2. Biodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels | Kobe University News site. (n.d.). Kobe University. Retrieved October 01, 2025, from https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/news/article/20250904-67078/