Researchers Turn Salmon Sperm into Biodegradable Plastic

Chinese researchers developed a green alternative to plastic made from salmon sperm, and by using this unlikely natural yet entirely biodegradable component, they hope to curb plastic waste.

By combining two short strands of salmon DNA with a chemical derived from vegetable oil, a hydrogel – a gel-like squishy substance – is created. The hydrogel must go through a process called aqua-welding, where all moisture is removed by freeze-drying, in order to be molded into different shapes. The new bioplastic requires 97% fewer carbon emissions to make.

To recycle the bioplastic, DNA-digesting enzymes are added to break it down. It is also possible to turn the bioplastic back into a hydrogel by simply submerging it into water. Since this bioplastic is made from DNA strands, sources are multiple: plants or bacteria, and not only salmon sperm, could come into play. Should this bioplastic enter the market, it has the potential to greatly reduce plastic waste.