You're listening to TED Talks Daily, where we bring you new ideas and conversations to spark your curiosity every day.

I'm your host, Elise Hew. Today's talk is part of our new TED Fellows films adapted for podcasts just for our TED Talks daily listeners.

This is part of a special series of episodes we release throughout the year,

showcasing the incredible stories behind the TED Fellows program,

which supports a network of global innovators.

Today, we'd like you to meet biotechnologist Patricia Ima Maldonado.

Patricia is a self-described bacteria trainer who thinks that

these tiny microorganisms that are impossible to see with the naked eye are actually Earth's greatest

superheroes. She presents a groundbreaking technology that trains bacteria to transform organic waste into biodegradable plastic

that behaves like the real thing and digs into why this sustainable approach could

revolutionize the plastics industry. After we hear from Patricia, stick around for her conversation

with Ted Fellows Program Director Director Lily James Olds.

I remember all my childhood being at the doctor and my frequent pneumonia were due to bacteria.

At high school, I went to a natural science fair.

And I met to all the students that they told me that they were like modifying bacteria for producing proteins and solved hunger in the world.

And that scenario just changed my life because I didn't know the potential of bacteria.

They are the most special creature on earth because they are super powerful.

They just can kill you or save you in a second.

I am Patricia Imaldonado and I am a bacteria trainer.

In 2018, I funded the company. We are producing a biodevable bioplastic with bacteria that eat organic waste.

I think that plastic isn't a problem itself.

It's how we produce it, how we use it, and how we dispose of it.

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