Scientists have engineered strains of Pseudomonas bacteria capable of breaking down nylon-6 into its original caprolactam monomers at room temperature — a bacteria nylon recycling breakthrough that could enable infinite recycling of one of the world’s most widely used synthetic polymers. The enzymatic process consumes approximately 90% less energy than conventional chemical recycling methods.
Background: The Nylon Waste Problem
Nylon production exceeds 8 million tonnes annually, yet recycling rates remain under 10% worldwide. Mechanical recycling degrades polymer chains with each cycle. Chemical recycling requires temperatures above 300°C. In 1975, Japanese researchers discovered a bacterium near a nylon factory that had evolved nylon-degrading enzymes — a landmark finding. The current breakthrough builds on decades of subsequent research, accelerated by modern synthetic biology tools.
Key Details: How the Engineered Bacteria Work
The team used directed evolution to enhance nylonase enzymes, expressed in engineered Pseudomonas putida strains. The process operates at ambient temperature (20-30°C) and neutral pH. Shredded nylon waste is introduced into bioreactors where bacteria secrete nylonase enzymes that depolymerize nylon into caprolactam monomers. In lab trials, over 95% depolymerization was achieved within 72 hours. The recovered caprolactam was analytically indistinguishable from petroleum-derived caprolactam. Funded by DARPA and the EPA.
Industry Impact: Toward Infinite Recycling
This end-of-life technology could reshape the $30+ billion nylon value chain. The technology is particularly relevant for fishing nets and carpets — hard-to-recycle nylon waste streams. If nylon can be recycled infinitely, demand for petroleum-derived feedstocks weakens, impacting fossil-based polymers.
What’s Next
A pilot demonstration plant is targeted for 2028, with commercial-scale operations by 2031. The team is exploring similar enzymatic approaches for nylon-6,6. Learn more in our Market and Trends Knowledge Zone.