Question: A biotech lab in Indonesia runs 9 experimental strains of engineered bacteria, each capable of degrading a different microplastic. They plan to test combinations of 5 strains in controlled marine microcosms. How many unique test groups of 5 strains can be formed?

Sun, 03 May 2026 08:16:51 +0000

**Scientists in Indonesia Explore Bacterial Solutions for Microplastic Pollution—Plus How Many Powerful Microplastic-Fighting Combinations Could Be Tested** As plastic waste continues to shape global environmental challenges, breakthroughs in biotechnology offer fresh hope. In Indonesia, a forward-thinking biotech lab is pioneering a novel approach to tackling microplastic pollution: engineering 9 specialized strains of bacteria, each designed to break down a distinct type of microplastic. This targeted strategy introduces a powerful scientific opportunity—testing how combinations of these strains might work together to degrade complex plastic blends found in marine environments. Plastic waste remains a critical issue across oceans, with millions of tons entering waterways annually. Traditional cleanup methods struggle to address the vast variety of plastic polymers. By engineering bacteria capable of degrading specific plastic types, researchers aim to develop biological solutions that mimic nature’s own recycling processes. The lab’s current focus centers on nine unique strains—each optimized for a different plastic—launching experiments into what happens when these microbes interact in complex, real-world-like conditions. **Ramping Up Research with Strategic Combinations**
But how many unique combinations of five engineered bacterial strains can be formed from this foundational set? This question matters as scientists increasingly explore synergistic effects—combining multiple strains to improve degradation efficiency beyond what a single strain can achieve. From a pool of 9 experimental strains, selecting 5 for controlled testing unlocks a vast array of biological pairings, enabling deeper insights into microbial collaboration.