Wax worms, the larvae forms of moths such as Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella), Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), were recently discovered to be plastic-eaters. They are called wax worms because they are known to ingest beeswax. It was found that beeswax and polyethylene, that is present in plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc. have the same chemical composition.
Hello Leivane:
This question was formulated by another RG member recently about the significant finding of Bombelli et al. 2017. Is the Polyethylene polymer that is chemically degraded by contact with the worm homogenate. The fast rate of biodegradation reported in the paper of Bombelli et al. 2017 have potential for significant biotechnological applications. This means that the chemical components of the wax moth caterpillars can be used to decompose artifical plastics, not the caterpillar on its own, so this biotechnological application does not pose any environmental risk. On the contrary, it is a great news to be able to degrade the large amount of plastic wastes that pollute this planet
http://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(17)30231-2.pdf
Regards,
Luis Miguel
Hello Leivane:
This question was formulated by another RG member recently about the significant finding of Bombelli et al. 2017. Is the Polyethylene polymer that is chemically degraded by contact with the worm homogenate. The fast rate of biodegradation reported in the paper of Bombelli et al. 2017 have potential for significant biotechnological applications. This means that the chemical components of the wax moth caterpillars can be used to decompose artifical plastics, not the caterpillar on its own, so this biotechnological application does not pose any environmental risk. On the contrary, it is a great news to be able to degrade the large amount of plastic wastes that pollute this planet
http://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(17)30231-2.pdf
Regards,
Luis Miguel
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/04/24/plastic-eating-wax-worm-extremely-exciting-global-pollution/
Another interpretation (perhaps the wrong interpretation): I would not recommend introducing a new agricultural pest into an area where it is not yet found. This will end badly, no matter how useful it may seem on the surface.
In my opinion: I agree that plastic garbage is a serious environmental threat. Something needs to be done. Yet I can see this as an equal threat. My car may now last a few years rather than a decade or so. Insulation on electrical wires may be compromised. In addition, the insects might damage plastic items that then get thrown out and replaced. This might generate more demand for plastic, with a net effect of increasing the environmental problem. Finally, if the insects can freely consume plastic, then they might become more abundant. With increased abundance there will be increased pressure from these insects against bees -- both native and domestic bees. To date, man has shown very limited capacity to control an organism once it invades a new area. What is the management plan for this one? What guarantee do I have that it cannot escape? If it does escape, what recourse do I have to make you financially responsible for the negative outcomes (if any)?
It is not a good option to introduce waxworms to digest plastic pollution. The benefit will not even be measurable and the risks are very high.
A lot of research has to be done to use this discovery for the degradation of our plastic waste. The enzymes of the wax moth that digest PE plastics will be helpful in a chemical degradation process for PE, not the wax moth itself.
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