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Study on the degradation efficiency and mechanism of polystyrene microplastics by five kinds of edible fungi
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Scientists tested five common edible mushroom species and found they can break down polystyrene microplastics, with oyster mushrooms achieving the highest degradation rate of about 16% in 50 days. This is the first study to identify the specific genes and enzymes involved in how these fungi digest plastic, opening the door to potential biological solutions for microplastic cleanup.
The harm caused by microplastics to the environment and human body has become a hot issue, and screening for microorganisms that potentially degrade microplastics is urgently needed. This study is the first to use Auricularia auricula, Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus cornucopiae to degrade PS-MPs. After 50 d of degradation, the average degradation rate was approximately 7.494 %, with the highest degradation rate of Pleurotus ostreatus being 16.17 ± 8.87 %. In addition, the ability of five edible fungi to degrade PS-MPs was confirmed through characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, for the first time, through the transcriptome and proteome, the genes Cluster-409.10597, Cluster-409.502, and Cluster-409.6781, along with other genes involved in the degradation of PS-MPs in Pleurotus ostreatus, were identified as Extradiol ring-cleavage dioxygenases, Acyl transferase/acyl hydrolase/lysophospholipase, and other enzymes. Additionally, the Ascorbate and Peroxisomes metabolic pathways, which play a role in aldarate metabolism, were also identified. This study is the first multiomic joint analysis of the degradation mechanism of Pleurotus ostreatus, laying a theoretical foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the degradation of PS-MPs by edible fungi and broadening the directions for the application of edible fungal resources as engineered fungi.
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Microplastic Removal and Biodegradation by Native Mediterranean Fungus Alternaria alternata
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Researchers investigated whether the Mediterranean fungus Alternaria alternata can remove and biodegrade polystyrene microplastics in seawater. The study demonstrated that the fungus, which naturally colonizes plastic debris in marine environments, was able to both physically capture and chemically degrade microplastic particles, suggesting a potential biological approach for addressing marine microplastic pollution.
Myco-remediation of plastic pollution: current knowledge and future prospects
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Researchers reviewed the growing body of evidence showing that fungi can break down common plastics — including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene — by secreting specialized enzymes that attack and mineralize plastic polymers, with many effective species coming from the Aspergillus and Penicillium families. The review calls for metagenomic approaches to discover more plastic-degrading fungi and develop them into practical bioremediation tools.
Proteome analysis during polystyrene microplastic biodegradation in filamentous fungi
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This proteome analysis study examined protein expression changes in filamentous fungi during polystyrene microplastic biodegradation, identifying upregulated enzymes and metabolic pathways involved in PS polymer breakdown that could inform biotechnology-based plastic degradation strategies.
Degradation of polypropylene and polystyrene micro plastics using novel microbial consortia
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Researchers tested two naturally occurring microbial mixtures and found that a fungal-bacterial consortium could break down roughly 30% of polypropylene and 40% of polystyrene microplastics over 27 months, with bacteria and fungi working together through enzymatic action and surface oxidation. While the timescales and degradation rates are still far from a practical solution, the findings suggest that targeting the right combination of microbes — matched to the specific plastic type — could be the key to future biological plastic cleanup strategies.
Is Laccase derived from Pleurotus ostreatus effective in microplastic degradation? A critical review of current progress, challenges, and future prospects
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This review explores using the enzyme laccase from oyster mushrooms as a natural way to break down persistent plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC. While promising, the approach currently requires improvements through genetic engineering and optimized growing conditions to make it practical at scale. If successful, this biological approach could offer an environmentally friendly alternative to managing the growing microplastics problem.
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