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Mycodegradation of Microplastics
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This review surveys fungal species with demonstrated capacity to degrade microplastic polymers — a process termed mycodegradation — and evaluates the mechanisms and limitations of fungal-based bioremediation approaches. Fungal degradation of microplastics offers a scalable, environmentally compatible strategy for reducing the persistent plastic burden in soils and aquatic systems, ultimately limiting the contamination that reaches food supplies and human bodies.
Microplastic pollution has gained much more attention in the research field as it has created a greater threat to biota worldwide. A major source of these microplastic materials is derived from mismanaged wastes in the environment. Current approaches like recycling...
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Biodegradation of Microplastics by Microbes
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Researchers examined how microplastic-degrading bacteria break down polymer structures by secreting hydrolytic extracellular enzymes including lipase, keratinase, and cellulases, providing foundational insight into the enzymatic pathways that underpin microbial biodegradation of plastic particles.
Microbial Degradation of Microplastics
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Microbial communities capable of colonizing and partially degrading plastic surfaces have been identified across global environments, raising the possibility of harnessing them for bioremediation of the plastic pollution crisis. However, current microbial degradation rates are far too slow to keep pace with plastic production, making engineered enhancement of these pathways a research priority.
Microbial Degradation of Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed microbial degradation mechanisms for microplastics, identifying bacterial and fungal species capable of colonizing plastic surfaces and breaking down polymer chains through enzymatic activity, though noting that degradation rates under environmental conditions remain too slow to address current pollution levels.
Role of Microorganisms in Biodegradation of Microplastics
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Researchers examine how microorganisms degrade common microplastic polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and PET, reviewing the enzymatic and metabolic pathways bacteria and fungi use to break down these persistent materials and the potential for harnessing microbial activity as a biodegradation strategy.
Microbial Colonization and Degradation of Microplastics
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This review examined microbial colonization of plastic surfaces—the plastisphere—and assessed the potential of specialized microorganisms to biodegrade plastic polymers as a remediation strategy. Understanding the plastisphere is also critical because biofilm-forming microbes can alter microplastic surface chemistry and influence how particles interact with living organisms that ingest them.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.