Scientists Create “Living Plastic” That Self-Destructs in Just Six Days

Researchers created a “living plastic” by embedding dormant Bacillus subtilis spores that produce two cooperating enzymes.

When triggered by heat and nutrients, the material fully broke down in six days without leaving microplastics.

A prototype wearable electrode made from the material also decomposed after use.

The study points to plastics that can be deliberately self-destructed on demand, potentially cutting long-lived waste and pollution.