We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Harnessing photosynthetic microorganisms for enhanced bioremediation of microplastics: A comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how photosynthetic microorganisms like algae and cyanobacteria can break down microplastics using sunlight as their energy source. These organisms naturally colonize plastic surfaces and some can produce enzymes that degrade common plastics like PET. The research highlights a promising biological approach to cleaning up microplastic pollution in water and soil, which could ultimately reduce the amount of plastic entering the food chain and human bodies.
Mismanaged plastics, upon entering the environment, undergo degradation through physicochemical and/or biological processes. This process often results in the formation of microplastics (MPs), the most prevalent form of plastic debris (<1 mm). MPs pose severe threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, necessitating innovative strategies for effective remediation. Some photosynthetic microorganisms can degrade MPs but there lacks a comprehensive review. Here we examine the specific role of photoautotrophic microorganisms in water and soil environments for the biodegradation of plastics, focussing on their unique ability to grow persistently on diverse polymers under sunlight. Notably, these cells utilise light and CO to produce valuable compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, showcasing their multifaceted environmental benefits. We address key scientific questions surrounding the utilisation of photosynthetic microorganisms for MPs and nanoplastics (NPs) bioremediation, discussing potential engineering strategies for enhanced efficacy. Our review highlights the significance of alternative biomaterials and the exploration of strains expressing enzymes, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolases, in conjunction with microalgal and/or cyanobacterial metabolisms. Furthermore, we delve into the promising potential of photo-biocatalytic approaches, emphasising the coupling of plastic debris degradation with sunlight exposure. The integration of microalgal-bacterial consortia is explored for biotechnological applications against MPs and NPs pollution, showcasing the synergistic effects in wastewater treatment through the absorption of nitrogen, heavy metals, phosphorous, and carbon. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the use of photoautotrophic cells for plastic bioremediation. It underscores the need for continued investigation into the engineering of these microorganisms and the development of innovative approaches to tackle the global issue of plastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Microorganism-mediated biodegradation for effective management and/or removal of micro-plastics from the environment: a comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae to break down microplastics in the environment. While some organisms can partially degrade certain plastic types through fragmentation and chemical breakdown, no single microbe can fully eliminate microplastics. The review highlights that biological degradation is a promising but still limited approach to addressing microplastic pollution, and more research is needed to develop effective microbial cleanup strategies.
Hints at the Applicability of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria for the Biodegradation of Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria to biodegrade plastics, covering known degradation pathways and candidate species such as Synechocystis, Synechococcus, Chlamydomonas, and Phaeodactylum. While these photosynthetic microorganisms show early promise, the review notes that practical plastic biodegradation by algae remains in early stages.
Harnessing Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Mitigating Environmental Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, and other taxa—capable of degrading microplastics, examining the enzymes, metabolic pathways, and environmental conditions involved, and assessing the practical potential of harnessing these organisms for bioremediation of plastic pollution.
Harnessing microorganisms for multiscale biodegradation of microplastics and nanoplastics in terrestrial and aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics have spread throughout our soil and water, and scientists once thought they'd stick around forever—but this review of existing research shows certain microbes and environmental conditions (like sunlight, heat, and moisture) can actually break some of them down. This matters because it hints at future cleanup methods using bacteria, fungi, or even plants working with microbes to reduce plastic pollution before it builds up further in our food and water supplies. That said, scientists still don't fully understand how this breakdown happens or whether it's safe and scalable enough to rely on, so more research is needed before this
Biodegradation of different types of microplastics: Molecular mechanism and degradation efficiency
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how bacteria, fungi, and algae can break down different types of microplastics through their enzymes, and compares the degradation efficiency of various microbial strains. Understanding these biological breakdown pathways is important because they could be developed into practical solutions for reducing the persistent microplastic pollution that threatens ecosystems and human health.
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.