Nagaland University develops eco-friendly plastic from fish waste

A research team led by Nagaland University has successfully developed a biodegradable biopolymer called Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics, offering a promising solution to the global microplastic crisis.
Microplastics—tiny persistent plastic particles—pose a severe environmental and health threat.
They accumulate in ecosystems, are ingested by organisms, and undergo biomagnification through the food chain, ultimately reaching humans and causing potential harm.
The breakthrough involves producing PHB using the bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis FW1, isolated from fish waste disposal sites in Mokokchung district.
PHB, a naturally occurring bacterial polyester, is biodegradable, biocompatible, and derived from renewable biological sources, making it a viable substitute for petroleum-based plastics.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Polymer Research (Springer Nature, DOI: 10.1007/s10965-025-04473-2), was led by Dr. Pranjal Bharali, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Nagaland University’s Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory.
The team included doctoral scholars Shiva Aley Acharjee, Bhagyudoy Gogoi, Bendangtula Walling, Viphrezolie Sorhie, and Alemtoshi, in collaboration with researchers from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Tezpur University, Bharathiar University, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, and Galgotias University.
NU vice chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik expressed pride in the achievement and noted that the locally sourced bacterial strain from fish waste underscored the value of research rooted in regional resources. “This sustainable material reduces plastic waste, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes green technologies,” he said and congratulated the team.
Dr. Pranjal Bharali emphasised that microbial biotechnology like this study can reduce reliance on fossil fuel plastics and support a circular bioeconomy. “PHB could mitigate microplastic formation, cut pollution, and find applications in medicine, agriculture, and packaging,” he said.
Key findings include the bacterial strain accumulating up to 69.2% PHB, with the resulting biopolymer exhibiting high thermostability.
Biocompatibility tests confirmed its non-cytotoxic nature with human liver cell lines (HepG2), suggesting potential for biomedical applications. Soil burial tests showed approximately 59.6% degradation within 28 days under open windrow composting, highlighting strong environmental biodegradability.
The researchers stressed the need to scale up processes, study biodegradation under varied conditions, and raise public awareness about sustainable alternatives. This innovation, leveraging Nagaland’s local waste resources, marks a significant step toward greener materials and reduced environmental harm.