Polyurethane is useful, but presents a disposal and recycling problem (Jennifer Dickert)

The problem is, polyurethane is resistant to degradation and has a reputation as being “non-biodegradable.” However, experiments done by researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that the fungi Nectria haematococca, Penicillium viridicatum and Penicillium ochrochloron, which had previously been isolated on polyurethane, might someday be able to breakdown polyurethane in a “plastic composting’ process.

According to the article, Fungi can digest polyurethanes, at The Chemical Engineer Today:

Two techniques, biostimulation and bioaugmentation, were used. Biostimulation essentially involved ‘feeding’ organisms already present in the soil, either with Impranil, a polyurethane dispersion agent which begins the initial break down of the polymer, or with yeast extract. This technique resulted in a 62% increase in degradation compared to untreated soil.

Leading to Composting of Plastic?

Biodegradation of plastics is a tough problem, and the goal of being able to compost plastics instead of burying them in landfills has long been a goal of chemical and sanitation engineers. Leave it to the mighty fungi to provide a possible solution.

The research was published as Effect of Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation on Degradation of Polyurethane Buried in Soil, Cosgrove et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2010; 76: 810-819.

More on the Topic of Fungal Biodegradation of Polymers:

Fungi used to compost plastics

Fungal communities associated with degradation of polyester polyurethane in soil

Fungi are the predominant micro-organisms responsible for degradation of soil-buried polyester polyurethane over a range of soil water holding capacities