We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pleurotus ostreatus -Mediated Bioremediation of Polylactic Acid Microplastics: Unveiling a Sustainable Solution
Summary
Researchers found that the edible white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus degrades polylactic acid microplastics within 30 days through laccase-driven oxidative scission of ester bonds, producing new carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl surface groups while increasing crystallinity as enzymatic attack preferentially targets amorphous polymer domains.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a compostable biopolymer with strong potential to replace petroleum-based plastics, yet its end-of-life degradation pathways under real-world conditions remain insufficiently understood at the molecular and structural levels. In this study, we investigate the physical-chemical mechanisms underlying the biodegradation of PLA microplastics by the edible white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. Detailed studies on the microplastics' morphological, structural, and chemical changes reveal that after 30 days of fungal treatment, their surface presents small pores, with the concomitant formation of new carbonyl (CO), carboxyl (-COOH), and hydroxyl (-OH) groups, consistent with oxidative scission of ester bonds. Concomitantly, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction indicate a significant increase in crystallinity, attributed to a preferential enzymatic attack on amorphous domains, followed by chain reorganization. These observations elucidate the interplay between enzymatic oxidation (driven predominantly by laccase activity) and polymer chain mobility, demonstrating how enzymatic catalysis induces coupled chemical and morphological transformations in PLA. The findings provide a promising environmentally friendly solution for bioremediation of PLA materials by edible fungi, helping to overcome current limitations in industrial composting and enabling a standardized, efficient decomposition and a more predictable, sustainable end-of-life strategy within circular waste management systems. Furthermore, this approach offers new insights into the synthesis of lignocellulosic enzymes during the bioprocess.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Pleurotus ostreatus-Mediated Bioremediation of PolylacticAcid Microplastics: Unveilinga Sustainable Solution
Researchers found that the edible white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus degrades polylactic acid microplastics within 30 days through laccase-driven oxidative scission of ester bonds, producing new carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl surface groups while increasing crystallinity as enzymatic attack preferentially targets amorphous polymer domains.
Is Laccase derived from Pleurotus ostreatus effective in microplastic degradation? A critical review of current progress, challenges, and future prospects
This review explores using the enzyme laccase from oyster mushrooms as a natural way to break down persistent plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC. While promising, the approach currently requires improvements through genetic engineering and optimized growing conditions to make it practical at scale. If successful, this biological approach could offer an environmentally friendly alternative to managing the growing microplastics problem.
Microplastic Removal and Biodegradation by Native Mediterranean Fungus Alternaria alternata
Researchers investigated whether the Mediterranean fungus Alternaria alternata can remove and biodegrade polystyrene microplastics in seawater. The study demonstrated that the fungus, which naturally colonizes plastic debris in marine environments, was able to both physically capture and chemically degrade microplastic particles, suggesting a potential biological approach for addressing marine microplastic pollution.
MicroplasticRemoval and Biodegradation by NativeMediterranean Fungus Alternaria alternata
Researchers showed that the Mediterranean fungus Alternaria alternata can colonize polystyrene microplastics in seawater, removing and partially degrading the plastic surface, offering a potential bioremediation approach for marine MP contamination.
Microplastic Degradation using Laccase Enzyme from Trametes hirsuta: In the Silico Study
Using molecular docking simulations, researchers investigated whether laccase enzymes from the fungus Trametes hirsuta could interact with and potentially degrade common microplastic compounds. In silico results showed binding interactions between laccase and several plastic polymers, suggesting enzymatic degradation pathways worth pursuing in wet-lab validation studies.