Biodegradation of Typical Plastics: From Microbial Diversity to Metabolic Mechanisms

Biodegradation of Typical Plastics: From Microbial Diversity to Metabolic Mechanisms

2 January 2024 | Shiwei Lv, Yufei Li, Sufang Zhao, Zongze Shao
The article reviews the biodegradation of typical plastics by marine microorganisms, focusing on the diversity of microbial communities and the metabolic mechanisms involved. Marine microorganisms, particularly Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Cyanobacteria, are well-adapted to fluctuating environmental conditions and can degrade various plastics such as PET, PS, PE, PVC, and PP. Key enzymes like esterases, cutinases, and laccases play crucial roles in the biodegradation process. The review highlights the need for further research in deep-sea environments to explore novel microbial resources and enzymes for more effective plastic biodegradation. The accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics, the impact of environmental factors, and the potential of hydrocarbon-biodegrading bacteria are also discussed. The authors emphasize the importance of evaluating the contribution of marine microorganisms to microplastic production and the need for more studies on the degradation mechanisms and environmental impacts of plastics in marine ecosystems.The article reviews the biodegradation of typical plastics by marine microorganisms, focusing on the diversity of microbial communities and the metabolic mechanisms involved. Marine microorganisms, particularly Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Cyanobacteria, are well-adapted to fluctuating environmental conditions and can degrade various plastics such as PET, PS, PE, PVC, and PP. Key enzymes like esterases, cutinases, and laccases play crucial roles in the biodegradation process. The review highlights the need for further research in deep-sea environments to explore novel microbial resources and enzymes for more effective plastic biodegradation. The accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics, the impact of environmental factors, and the potential of hydrocarbon-biodegrading bacteria are also discussed. The authors emphasize the importance of evaluating the contribution of marine microorganisms to microplastic production and the need for more studies on the degradation mechanisms and environmental impacts of plastics in marine ecosystems.
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