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Biofilms

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...

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Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

Water-processable, biodegradable and coatable aquaplastic from engineered biofilms.

Anna M Duraj-Thatte^1,2,3, Avinash Manjula-Basavanna^2,3, Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne^2,4

¹John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.

Nature Chemical Biology

|March 19, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed aquaplastic, a novel biodegradable bioplastic from microbial biofilms. This water-processable material offers a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics for various applications.

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Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

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Published on: July 27, 2022

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Last Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers

Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers

Published on: June 30, 2018

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

Published on: July 27, 2022

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Biotechnology
Environmental Science

Background:

Petrochemical plastics cause global contamination and ecosystem damage due to their non-biodegradability.
Limited availability of current bioplastics necessitates the development of new biodegradable alternatives.
There is an urgent need for sustainable materials to address the plastic pollution crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce aquaplastic, a new class of microbial biofilm-based biodegradable bioplastic.
To demonstrate the unique properties and fabrication of aquaplastic.
To explore aquaplastic's potential for packaging and coating applications.

Main Methods:

Genetic engineering of Escherichia coli to produce protein-based hydrogels.
Casting and drying of hydrogels under ambient conditions to form aquaplastic.
Testing aquaplastic's resistance to acids, bases, organic solvents, and its water-based healing and welding capabilities.

Main Results:

Aquaplastic is a water-processable, robust, templatable, and coatable biodegradable bioplastic.
The material exhibits resistance to strong acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Aquaplastic can be healed and welded using water to create 3D architectures.

Conclusions:

Aquaplastic offers a unique combination of microbial fabrication, water processability, and biodegradability.
This novel bioplastic presents a promising sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
Further exploration of aquaplastic for packaging and coating applications is warranted.