Press Release

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NIBR successfully separated microorganisms producing bioplastics

▷ NIBR cultivated microorganisms that ingest formate and create high-value bioplastics


Incheon, July 22 - The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR, President Suh Min-hwan), an affiliate of the Ministry of Environment, announced that it has succeeded in separating and cultivating two microorganisms (Pseudomonas) that ingest formate and produce high-value bioplastics. Formate, often referred to as formic acid, is liquid acid consisting of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen (carboxylic acid, CH2O2). Recently, the global industries are focusing on the technology for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon capture, usage, and storage, CCUS) which converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into formate.

NIBR conducted research with researchers from Korea University and Wonkwang University based on the fact that some microorganisms can produce bioplastics by digesting formate made through CCUS. Researchers found two types of microorganisms from Korean rivers and reservoirs and ed they consume five times as much formates as Methylorubrum and produce bioplastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate, the bioplastic material obtained from these microorganisms, shares similar properties with common plastic made from oil but is readily biodegradable, making it suitable for use in the production of cosmetics containers reusable plastic, surgical sutures, and more. Researchers plan to analyze the genomes of these microorganisms that produce high-value microplastics and develop a technology that makes the best use of formate.

Lee Byung-hee, head of the Biological and Genetic Resources Assessment Division, said, "We will accelerate the development of bioplastics manufacturing technology using microorganisms that consume formate, and we will contribute to reducing GHG emissions and achieving carbon neutrality."