Blackwell Research Institute is proud to highlight the work of Hartigan Deely, whose research examines an emerging and innovative solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities worldwide: plastic pollution. In their paper, A Holistic Review of Genetically Modified Plastic Degrading Bacteria with a Focus on Future Advancements and Economic Viability, Hartigan investigates how genetically modified bacteria could transform the way plastic waste is managed.

Plastic pollution affects nearly every community, from local waterways and landfills to public health systems. Hartigan’s research explores how traditional recycling methods fall short, often downcycling plastics into lower-quality materials and allowing microplastics to persist in the environment. These shortcomings are especially relevant to communities that rely on clean water systems, healthy soil, and coastal or river ecosystems for both economic and environmental well-being.

Hartigan’s review highlights recent scientific advances in plastic-degrading bacteria that are capable of breaking down materials such as PET plastics into their original building blocks. One of the paper’s central insights emphasizes the urgency of this work:

“Traditional recycling has proven inadequate at addressing the growing crisis, due to low recycling rates of just 9% of global plastic being recycled.”

By examining genetic modification tools like CRISPR and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enzyme discovery, the paper explains how these bacteria can be optimized for efficiency and resilience. Hartigan also highlights early industrial-scale applications that demonstrate how biological recycling can produce high-quality materials without the degradation associated with conventional methods.

Beyond large recycling plants, the research connects this technology to practical, community-level applications. Wastewater treatment facilities, for example, are often overlooked sources of microplastic pollution. Hartigan explains how genetically modified bacteria could be integrated into existing infrastructure to capture and break down plastics before they enter local rivers or oceans. For communities concerned about environmental health, tourism, or fishing industries, this approach offers meaningful promise.T

he paper also addresses economic feasibility, a critical factor for real-world adoption. Hartigan evaluates costs, investment trends, and market growth, concluding that while the technology is still developing, increased funding and innovation could make biological recycling a competitive alternative to traditional methods.

Hartigan’s research demonstrates both scientific depth and real-world awareness. By connecting laboratory breakthroughs to community-scale environmental challenges, the paper reflects the kind of forward-thinking scholarship Blackwell Research Institute seeks to foster.