Innovative biotechnological approaches for plastic degradation: A pathway to sustainable waste management

Plastic pollution has escalated into a global environmental crisis, with millions of tons of synthetic polymers accumulating within ecosystems and posing significant threats to both biodiversity and human health. Conventional methods of plastic waste management, such as mechanical and chemical recycling, exhibit limitations in terms of sustainability, particularly for polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), which demonstrate a pronounced resistance to degradation. Biotechnological approaches that exploit microbial enzymes and synthetic biology offer a promising alternative to tackle this pressing issue. Enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, which facilitate the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in conjunction with laccases and lipases that target more recalcitrant plastics, have manifested considerable potential in deconstructing plastics at the molecular level. Notwithstanding these advancements, challenges persist regarding degradation efficiency, especially for non-PET plastics, as well as the economic viability of scaling these biotechnological processes. Furthermore, environmental parameters including temperature, pH, and oxygen levels significantly influence enzyme functionality, while regulatory and societal obstacles impede the utilization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Nevertheless, emerging technologies such as protein engineering, CRISPR-based gene editing, and industrial applications like bioreactors present avenues for surmounting these challenges. This article investigates the current landscape, challenges, and prospects associated with biotechnological plastic degradation, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving global circular economy objectives and enhancing sustainable waste management strategies.