Algae for plastic biodegradation

One of the many human stressors on marine ecosystems is microplastic (MP) contamination. The strong dispersion pattern of marine currents transports MPs across the oceans, even to isolated locations such as the polar regions has made it difficult to remove. MPs toxicity to marine primary producers such as microalgae and biofilmforming alga are remarkable as it reduces the photosynthesis ability and growth inhibition. Consumption of MPs by various marine consumers at different trophic levels, such as benthos, birds, and fishes, poses a danger to the complex food webs and ecosystems by inhibiting growth, cell injury, other toxic substance co-exposure, and bioaccumulation. MPs can be absorbed/adsorbed/sank into the biofilm-forming algal extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrices and released when the matrix decomposes or sink into the benthic sediments. However, the key to MP removal strategies is the accumulation of algae and MPs. EPS and PETase enzymes have been identified in many algal species that can degrade MPs. Some marine species have been identified for algae-based bioplastic production. Using genetic engineering and omics to algae could be a successful method to improve MP biodegradation as well as bioplastic production.