Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fascinating species of endophytic fungus—basically a type of mold that lives inside plant tissues without harming them. But what makes it truly headline-worthy is this:
🔬 It can digest plastic.
Specifically, it can break down polyurethane, one of the most common plastics used in everything from shoes to insulation foam. And unlike many other plastic-degrading organisms, Pestalotiopsis microspora doesn’t need oxygen to do it—meaning it can survive in landfills and potentially help with waste reduction underground.
It was discovered in the Amazon rainforest by Yale students during a research trip, and its abilities have turned it into a poster child for eco-friendly biotechnology.
🌱 Why it matters:
It could play a huge role in fighting plastic pollution
Its enzymes might be used in future bioremediation projects
It works in anaerobic environments (where many other plastic-busters fail)