Master of Biotechnology student spends summer researching biodegradable plastics

For her summer research project, Master of Biotechnology student Taylor Howson is working with MetaCycler BioInnovations, a Waterloo-based start-up, to transform waste from the dairy industry into biodegradable plastics using bacteria.

More than three million tons of plastic waste are produced by Canadians every year, but only nine per cent is recycled. Metacycler aims to find a more sustainable alternative to plastics, created using waste materials, that is both accessible and economical.

Under certain conditions, MetaCycler's proprietary bacteria, which has been genetically modified to feed off lactose, will produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable material with plastic-like properties. PHA has a wide range of applications, including as a single-use plastic and as packaging for cosmetic products. After the bacteria and lactose are combined and left in a bioreactor for 24-48 hours, the PHAs are then extracted, dried and melted, before being extruded into pellets.

In her role, Taylor is testing to determine what ratio of lactose to bacteria provides optimal growth. She is also studying whether any bacteria already present in dairy wastewater would interfere with the production of PHA.

“My mom used to own an environmentally friendly cleaning company so, since I was young, that’s been ingrained in me and it’s always something I’m thinking about – What can I do?” she says. “There are lots of companies out there working to make things more sustainable, but not many working towards solving that problem. It’s nice to know that the work I’m doing here is going to help the world in some way.”

Besides refining some of her lab skills, including inoculating and monitoring bacterial growth, Taylor has also had a chance to learn business skills, including working with dairy suppliers and supporting marketing and communications efforts.

Learn more about the Master of Biotechnology.