Biodegradable Ink for Self-Decomposing Products
Researchers have developed a 'living' ink that decomposes polymer substrates, reducing textile waste. This innovative approach uses fungi-based inks with polymer decomposers to create self-decomposing products.
Materials researcher Peerasin Punxh Hutaphaet has created an ink that encapsulates the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, which breaks down the substrate when activated by certain conditions such as humidity, pH, and temperature.
The dormant spores activate with the correct conditions and proceed to break down the substrate.
- The ink is part of the GROWinK project, which aims to reduce global textile waste.
- Existing soil microbes can contribute to the decomposition process.
This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile waste.
Author's summary: Fungi-based ink decomposes polymer substrates.