We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Determination of the role of Dermococcus nishinomiyaensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PT) biodegradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the plastic-degrading ability of Dermococcus nishinomiyaensis against the established degrader Pseudomonas aeruginosa on polyethylene and PET, finding that D. nishinomiyaensis caused substantial PE weight loss (12.2%) with distinctive crack and groove formations visible by SEM, and produced novel chemical intermediates detected by FTIR, establishing it as a promising candidate for sustainable plastic waste management.
Plastic pollution is a worldwide menace to the ecosystem and human health, and only less than 10 percent of the plastic waste has been recycled and its continued existence causes climate change. The purpose of the study was to test the potential of biodegradation of Dermococcus inshinomiyaensis on two common types of plastics (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyethylene (PE)) when compared to the established degrader, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, at conditions that simulated the natural environment. The biodegradation was evaluated in terms of biofilm biomass determination, relative weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Biofilm quantification showed that D. inshinomiyaensis formed stronger biofilms on PET bottles (absorbance 0.16) than on PE bags (0.10–0.12), with activity comparable to that of P. aeruginosa. The analysis of weight loss showed that PE was severely degraded by D. inshinomiyaensis (12.2%), P. aeruginosa (40%), and PET was not severely degraded (0.7%). FT-IR spectra of PE indicated new absorption bands beyond 400 cm-¹, confirming structural defects induced by microbial activity. Distinct peaks between 1600–2653 cm-¹, including 1639 and 1737 cm-¹ for P. aeruginosa and 1981–2325 cm-¹ for D. inshinomiyaensis, suggested the formation of novel intermediates. SEM analysis also showed intense deformations in PE using D. inshinomiyaensis so that it generated a wide range of cracks, wrinkles, and grooves, which were much more effective compared to the action of P. aeruginosa.These results demonstrate the novelty of D. inshinomiyaensis as a potential biodegrader of PE, as it provided potential use in the management of plastic waste in a sustainable environment.
More Papers Like This
Biodeterioration of Microplastics: A promising step towards Plastics Waste Management
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers screened bacteria from a dumping site for their ability to degrade polyethylene and polyester plastics, finding that 68.5% of isolates could degrade low-density polyethylene and about 13% could degrade polyester. Selected strains were confirmed as plastic degraders using FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy, suggesting potential for bioremediation of plastic waste.
Research Progress in Microbial Degradation of Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microbial degradation research across six major plastic types, examining biodegradation mechanisms, key microbial species, and enzyme pathways involved in breaking down synthetic polymers. The authors argue that microbial degradation represents an emerging, environmentally superior alternative to traditional incineration and landfill approaches for managing plastic waste.
Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET) biodegradation and characterisation of landfill leachate bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
This Icelandic undergraduate thesis reviews PET plastic biodegradation mechanisms and characterizes bacteria isolated from landfill leachate for their ability to degrade PET. The work explores biological pathways for breaking down one of the most widely used plastics, which otherwise accumulates as persistent microplastic pollution.
Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Plastic-Degrading Bacteria From Soil for PWM
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists isolated bacteria from soil near garbage sites and identified strains capable of degrading plastic materials, with scanning electron microscopy revealing physical damage — holes and cracks — to plastic surfaces after bacterial exposure within 30 days. The study contributes to the search for soil microbes that could be harnessed for biological plastic waste management. Biodegradation by indigenous soil bacteria could offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to landfilling or incineration of plastic waste.
Quest for Isolation and Identification of Plastic Degradingmicroorganisms: a Molecularapproach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated soil microorganisms and tested their ability to biodegrade polyethylene and PVC plastics in vitro over one month, identifying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial species with degradation capability. The study highlights microbial biodegradation as a low-cost, eco-friendly strategy to reduce plastic waste accumulation in the environment.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.