Harnessing Bacteria for Biodegradable Plastics

From microplastic contamination in our food supply, to endless plastic ending up in landfill our dependence on oil-based materials poses a major challenge. Climate Curious speaks to a bacteria trainer who has developed a very promising solution to this problem. 2025 TED Fellow Patricia Ayma Maldonado trains powerful bacteria to synthesise completely natural and biodegradable plastics, offering a regenerative alternative to fossil-fuel-based polymers. A bioplastic that matches conventional plastic in performance and versatility. Recorded live at TED 2025.

Created by TEDxLondon

Executive produced by Josie Colter

Produced by Ben Beheshty

Curated by Deesha Chandra

Hosted by Maryam Pasha and Ben Hurst

Communications by Tara Cooper and Issey Gladston

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