Lumami: A multi-institutional research team led by Nagaland University has developed a biodegradable biopolymer that could offer a practical alternative to petroleum-based plastics, the researchers report. Published in the Journal of Polymer Research, the study identifies polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) — a bacterial-derived plastic — as a promising, eco-friendly material produced from bacteria isolated at fish-waste disposal sites in Nagaland.
PHB is a naturally occurring polymer that some bacteria synthesize and store as an energy reserve. In this study, the team collected bacterial strains from local fish-waste areas, cultivated them under laboratory conditions and extracted PHB for characterization. The researchers say the resulting polymer shows properties consistent with biodegradable plastics, positioning it as a candidate for replacing conventional single-use and packaging plastics that contribute to the global microplastic crisis.
The development is significant because microplastics-tiny fragments of petroleum-based plastics-are persistent in ecosystems and pose risks to wildlife and human health. A biodegradable, biologically produced polymer like PHB could reduce long-term environmental accumulation if it proves cost-effective and scalable. The study’s authors note the material’s potential but also underscore the need for further work on large-scale production, cost optimization and lifecycle assessments before PHB can be adopted widely.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pranjal Bharali of Nagaland University and his research team were photographed working in the university laboratory, illustrating the local scientific effort behind the project. The research brings attention to a regional approach-using locally sourced bacterial strains and waste streams-to address a global environmental problem.
While the findings mark an encouraging step, experts caution that laboratory success does not immediately translate to commercial replacement of fossil-fuel plastics. The authors call for continued testing on mechanical performance, biodegradation under real-world conditions and economic feasibility. The paper in the Journal of Polymer Research frames PHB as a viable, greener alternative that merits further development as part of broader strategies to curb plastic pollution.
Original Source: https://eastmojo.com/nagaland/2026/03/23/nagaland-uni-develops-bacterial-biopolymer-to-fight-microplastic-crisis/
Category: Free Digest,Nagaland,National News,News,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-03-23 13:22:00
