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Role of Extremophilic Microbes in Removal of Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed how extremophilic microbes — organisms thriving in harsh conditions like high salinity, temperature, or acidity — can degrade microplastics through specialized enzymes and metabolic pathways. These extremophiles offer a promising biotechnological toolkit for treating microplastic contamination in environments where conventional microbes cannot survive, expanding bioremediation options for polluted ecosystems.
According to a new OECD report, global plastic consumption is predicted to rise from 460 million Mt. in 2019 to 1231 million Mt. in 2060, representing a faster rise than most raw materials. Moreover, nowadays, in addition to the plastics that can be seen obviously...
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Exploitation of Potential Extremophiles for Bioremediation of Microplastics: A Biotechnological Approach
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Researchers reviewed the potential of extremophile microorganisms — those that thrive in harsh environments — as biological tools for breaking down microplastics, suggesting that their unique enzymes and metabolic abilities could be harnessed for more effective bioremediation of plastic pollution.
Unravelling the Complex Relationship Amongst Microplastics and Microbes and Its Bioremediation
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This review explored the complex relationship between microplastics and microbial communities, including biofilm formation on plastic surfaces and the potential for microbial bioremediation to degrade plastic polymers. The microplastic-microbe interface has direct human health implications because plastisphere communities can harbor antibiotic-resistant genes and pathogens that may be transported through aquatic environments and food sources.
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.
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