Role of Nanotechnology in Plastic and Microplastic Management

Plastics has become a huge menace to the environment and one of the most terrorizing problems are due to its accumulation in the ecosystems and its non-degrading nature. The introduction of nanotechnology revolutionizes the impossible concept of plastic degradation in number of different ways. The most benefited solution is to modify the rate of biodegradation according to the need and enhance plastic and microplastic degradation. Nanotechnology interferes in the metabolic pathway of microbes to increase the ability of microbes in plastic and microplastic degradation. Therefore, for better biodegradation, photocatalytic degradation of plastics leads to formation of low molecular weight intermediates that can be used as raw materials for chemical industries to make new petrochemical products. In addition to produce a cost-effective and sustainable biodegradable polymer, additional research is required to maximize the utilization of biodegradability potential of nanocomposites. Nanoparticles consists of potential to enhance polymer degradation by influencing the growth of suitable microbes and acts as a great catalyst for transformation or degradation process. Economical and feasible plastic degradation can be achieved when a suitable balance between nanotechnology, microbiology and biotechnology is found altogether.