RePLAse — Biological PLA Plastic Degradation
Recipient of a Nomination for Best New Basic Part
Engineering a compost-native bacterial chassis to break down PLA bioplastic where it actually ends up.
View the full iGEM wiki ↗PLA is sold as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic, but most of it never reaches the specialized industrial composters it was designed for. RePLAse reimagined degradation from the ground up — engineering a compost-native bacterial chassis with improved PLA adhesion and optimized enzyme expression so breakdown actually happens under realistic conditions. Paired with outreach, industry conversations, and policy engagement, the project earned a gold medal at the 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree and a nomination for Best New Basic Part.
The problem
PLA bioplastics are labelled 'compostable' but typically require industrial conditions that are rare in Manitoba — so the plastic accumulates like any other.
Why it matters
Manitoba's waste infrastructure was not built for PLA. Without better degradation options, bioplastics become greenwashing rather than a solution.
Our approach
Select a compost-native chassis, improve its ability to adhere to PLA surfaces, and optimize enzyme expression for degradation under achievable conditions — then validate in conditions that resemble real compost and landfill settings.
Outcomes
- Gold Medal at the 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris
- Nomination for Best New Basic Part
- Public outreach and policy engagement on bioplastic waste in Manitoba
Other projects
H.A.L.T - UTI (LacThera)
Designing the next generation of live therapeutics to prevent recurrent UTIs.
PLAnet Zero — Tackling the Bioplastic Crisis
The first phase of the team's work on polylactic acid — a bio-based device to improve PLA breakdown.
Zebra Mussel Biosensor & Control
A smart bio-based device for monitoring and managing invasive species in Lake Winnipeg.
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