Guwahati: In a significant step toward tackling the global crisis of microplastic pollution, a Nagaland University-led multi-institutional research team has developed a biodegradable biopolymer using bacteria isolated from fish waste disposal sites in the state.
The innovation not only offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics but also highlights how locally rooted scientific research can deliver globally relevant solutions.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles now found across ecosystems, have become a growing environmental and public health concern.
Easily ingested by organisms, especially aquatic life, these particles accumulate through the food chain in a process known as biomagnification, eventually reaching humans.
Addressing this challenge, the research team focused on producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from biological sources and seen as a promising substitute for petroleum-based plastics.
The polymer was synthesised using a bacterial strain, Bacillus subtilis FW1, isolated from fish waste sites in Mokokchung district. The study, published in the Journal of Polymer Research by Springer Nature, demonstrated strong production potential, with the bacteria accumulating up to 69.2 per cent PHB.
Detailed analysis also revealed high thermostability, while laboratory testing confirmed the material’s biocompatibility, indicating its potential safety for biomedical applications. Importantly, the material showed encouraging environmental performance.
In soil burial experiments using open windrow composting, the PHB film degraded by nearly 59.6 per cent within 28 days, underlining its potential as a sustainable biomaterial capable of reducing long-term plastic pollution.
The research was carried out by the Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory at Nagaland University under the leadership of Pranjal Bharali, in collaboration with multiple institutions including CSIR-NEIST, Tezpur University, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Bharathiar University, USTM Meghalaya, and Galgotias University.
The team included doctoral scholars and researchers working across disciplines, reflecting a strong collaborative approach.
Researchers say advances in microbial biotechnology such as this could play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based plastics while supporting the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Beyond environmental benefits, PHB holds potential for applications in sustainable packaging, agriculture, and even medicine.
However, challenges remain. The team emphasises the need to scale up production, optimise processes, explore cost-effective feedstocks, and study biodegradation across varied environmental conditions. Increasing public awareness and industry adoption will also be key to translating this scientific breakthrough into real-world impact.
From a local waste problem to a global environmental solution, the study underscores how innovation driven by regional resources and scientific collaboration can help reshape the future of sustainable materials.