Biotechnology and recycling research advancements

Recent scientific research has focused on enhancing biotechnology for antimicrobial production and circular economy applications. Studies from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, have addressed the need for cost-effective treatments against multi-resistant bacteria by improving the expression and purification of the antimicrobial peptide plectasin using E. coli. Additionally, research into microbial metabolism has demonstrated that oxygen-enriched air can stabilize citric acid production in Yarrowia lipolytica biofilms, while new enzymatic methods have enabled the recovery of high-purity terephthalic acid from mixed polyester waste.

Further developments in recycling technologies include the transformation of various plastic wastes—such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, and ABS—into porous molecular sponges capable of atmospheric water harvesting through sulfuric acid treatment. In the textile sector, researchers have optimized a process to separate cotton fibers from polyester in mixed fabrics using hydrochloric acid. This method breaks cotton down into sugars for bio-based plastic production while leaving the polyester intact for subsequent recycling.