AEM Lab

Overturning the "Non-Biodegradable" Myth: Discovery and Mechanism of Marine Biodegradable Nylon

Fishing gear, such as fishing lines and nets abandoned in the ocean, is known as "ghost gear." It causes severe damage to marine ecosystems by entangling sea turtles and wild birds, or by breaking down into microplastics. Until now, it was a common global understanding that "nylon," a fiber frequently used for such fishing gear, does not decompose in the ocean.

However, recent research has discovered for the first time in the world that certain commercially available fishing lines (made from a copolymer of nylon 6 and 6,6) biodegrade in the ocean at a level equivalent to "cellulose," a typical easily decomposable material in nature.

Our laboratory is participating in this joint research project as experts in microorganisms, genes, and enzymes, taking on the challenge of elucidating the biodegradation mechanism—asking, "Why is this nylon degraded by microorganisms in the sea?" By solving this mystery at the molecular level, we expect to advance the development of new, eco-friendly fishing gear and plastics, making a significant contribution to a fundamental solution for the global marine pollution problem.