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Breaking down shoe foam by genetically tweaking a microbe found in compost

Breaking down shoe foam by genetically tweaking a microbe found in compost
Phys.org Friday 11 September 2026, 15:00 UTC 1 min read
Key Points

Your favorite pair of tennies, kicks or trainers may soon become a little more sustainable. In a study published Sept. 11 in the journal Chem Catalysis, researchers developed a new kind of enzyme based on a bacterium found in compost that can degrade the polyurethane material in shoe foams. The results could one day help recycle plastic waste from shoes, mattresses, kitchen sponges and more.

Your favorite pair of tennies, kicks or trainers may soon become a little more sustainable. In a study published Sept. 11 in the journal Chem Catalysis, researchers developed a new kind of enzyme based on a bacterium found in compost that can degrade the polyurethane material in shoe foams. The results could one day help recycle plastic waste from shoes, mattresses, kitchen sponges and more.
Chem Catalysis (ORG)
Originally published by Phys.org Read original →

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