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Enzymatic biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) microplastic by Trichoderma harzianum KKP534

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2026 1 citation ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Olga Rusiecka, Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz, Grzegorz Trykowski, Rafał Szewczyk, Przemysław Bernat

Summary

Scientists found that a common fungus called Trichoderma harzianum can break down PBAT, a "biodegradable" plastic often used in bags and packaging, by growing on it and releasing enzymes that create cracks and eat away at its surface. This matters because it shows a natural, low-cost way to help clear biodegradable plastics from the environment faster—potentially reducing the microplastic pollution that ends up in our soil, water, and eventually our food and bodies.

• Incubation with Trichoderma led to the formation of cracks on the surface of the PBAT. • Trichoderma effectively colonises and produces numerous spores on the surface of PBAT. • Trichoderma produces a set of enzymes with degradation potential towards PBAT. • Proteomic analysis identified enzymes from the hydrolase and oxidoreductase groups. • T. harzianum KKP534 possesses biodegradative potential against PBAT.

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