A Plastic‑Eating Fungus: Nature’s Unexpected Recycler

A Plastic‑Eating Fungus: Nature’s Unexpected Recycler

Beneath the surface of everyday soil, two ordinary fungi Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album—have revealed a remarkable talent: breaking down polypropylene plastic. This breakthrough, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Sydney and published in npj Materials Degradation, offers fresh hope for tackling stubborn plastic pollution.


From Garden Soil to Lab Bench

These fungi were isolated from soil and plant material common “backyard molds.” In the lab, scientists pre‑treated plastic samples (granules, films, and metallized sheets) using UV light, heat, or chemical oxidation (Fenton’s reagent). This preparation softened the plastic, making it easier for fungal enzymes to attack

Over 30 days, roughly 21 % of the plastic was degraded. By 90 days, that climbed to about 25 27 %, and by 140 days, the plastic was completely broken down in the experimental samples

One expert noted, “It’s the highest degradation rate reported in the literature that we know [of] in the world”





How It Works

The process begins with fungal adhesion to the plastic surface, followed by hyphal growth and enzyme secretion such as oxidases and hydrolases that depolymerize the material, breaking it into simpler molecules the fungi can use as food

Microscopic analysis (e.g., SEM imaging and FTIR spectroscopy) revealed clear surface damage: pitting, cracks, decreased carbonyl index. These are telltale signs of true biodeterioration, not just surface growth


Why It Matters

Polypropylene makes up nearly a third of global plastic waste yet has a recycling rate of just 1 %.

Most polypropylene ends up in landfills or the environment, where it can persist for centuries.

Now, fungi could offer a biological route for recycling that plastic turning a pollutant into harmless biomass without the need for intense heat or hazardous chemicals.


Early Stage, Big Potential

That said, the research is still preliminary. Real‑world application faces challenges:

  1. Pre‑treatment demands: UV or heat steps are energy‑intensive.
  2. Scale limitations: Lab conditions differ significantly from industrial or environmental settings
  3. Byproducts and safety: We need to ensure the final biomass is safe and the process doesn't release harmful substances .


Researchers estimate bench‑scale pilot systems could emerge within a few years, though commercial rollout would require more development .


A Natural Ally in the Fight Against Plastic


This discovery highlights fungi’s enzymatic versatility; they’ve evolved over eons to break down tough substrates like wood, now repurposed to tackle human-made polymers .


It also fits into a broader trend microbes that can degrade plastics are being found in soils, oceans, and even in insect guts .


What’s Next

The team plans to:

  1. Optimize conditions to speed up degradation.
  2. Scale up to pilot‑size reactors.
  3. Analyze safety, environmental impact, and economics





Final Word

Yes, “miracle fungus” might be a catchy headline but this is serious science with measurable results. In under 140 days, common fungi have been shown to convert a hard‑to‑recycle plastic into harmless biomass in total darkness, without additives.

This breakthrough doesn’t solve the plastic crisis on its own but it tells us two important truths:

  1. Nature still holds powerful tools, waiting to be rediscovered.
  2. Even pollution might one day help feed the future if we act wisely.