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Evaluation of Bacillus-Associated Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Surfaces For Biodegradation

Malaysian Applied Biology 2025 1 citation ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 43 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Khalida Khalil, Khalida Khalil, Khalida Khalil, Khalida Khalil, Khalida Khalil, Aina Liyana Mohamad Desa, Aina Liyana Mohamad Desa, Wan Syaidatul Aqma Aina Liyana Mohamad Desa, Aina Liyana Mohamad Desa, Nurul Aisyah Ruslan, Nurul Aisyah Ruslan, Nurul Aisyah Ruslan, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Farah Hannan Anuar, Nurul Aisyah Ruslan, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Farah Hannan Anuar, Farah Hannan Anuar, Wan Syaidatul Aqma Wan Syaidatul Aqma Wan Syaidatul Aqma

Summary

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common plastics, found in bottles and packaging, and it breaks down into persistent microplastics in the environment. This study screened bacteria collected from PET surfaces at a landfill in Malaysia, finding strains with promising esterase activity capable of forming biofilms on PET and beginning to degrade it. The findings point toward biological solutions for breaking down PET microplastics before they spread further into ecosystems.

Polymers

PE PET

The escalating threat of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic pollution necessitates an urgent environmentally friendly approach. This study explores the potential of local bacterial isolates to biodegrade PET microplastics. Bacteria isolated from the surface of PET plastic bottles taken from Dengkil Inert Waste Landfill were screened for esterase activity and biofilm formation. PET degradation was assessed through mass weight reduction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis for morphological changes, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for chemical structure alterations. Two of the five selected isolates were positive for producing esterase and biofilm ability as well as biodegrade PET leading to a 2.04% - 2.08% degradation (20 days incubation). FT-IR indicated changes in PET chemical structure, particularly in C-H, C=O, and C-O bonds, while SEM revealed morphological changes such as cracks and holes on the PET surface. Identification through 16S rRNA sequencing indicated bacterial isolates are Bacillus paramycoides DIWL 1, Bacillus cereus DIWL 2, Bacillus safensis DIWL 3, Bacillus luciferensis DIWL 4, and Bacillus cereus DIWL 5. The results of this study can be used for further research on the potential of local isolates in the decomposition of PET microplastics which in turn can be used to develop a sustainable and cost-effective microplastic treatment (PET) technology.

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