TED Talks Daily The brilliance of bacteria (and how they combat waste) | Patricia Aymà Maldonado
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Jan 16, 2026 
Patricia Aymà Maldonado, a biotechnologist and founder of VEnvirotech, shares her innovative work training bacteria to convert organic waste into biodegradable, microplastic-free bioplastics. She tackles the importance of plastics, the limitations of traditional recycling, and the challenges of scaling sustainable solutions. With a unique double-bioplastic approach, her technology promises to revolutionize waste management and reduce microplastic pollution, urging listeners to advocate for systemic change and responsible manufacturing.
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From Childhood Curiosity To Bacteria Trainer
- Patricia Ayma Maldonado recounts discovering bacterial engineering at a science fair and deciding to work with microbes.
- She founded VEnvirotech to train bacteria to turn organic waste into biodegradable bioplastic.
Plastic's Problem Is Systemic
- Plastic itself has critical social and technological roles and can't be dismissed outright.
- The problem lies in production, use, and disposal rather than the material alone.
The Recycling Illusion
- Only a tiny fraction of plastic is truly recycled and recycling often reduces quality.
- Increased recycling can paradoxically coincide with rising virgin plastic production, creating a sustainability illusion.