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Isolation of a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, using a novel screening method based on a redox indicator
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Researchers developed a novel screening method using a redox indicator to isolate a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, from insect larvae. The study confirmed that this bacterium can break down polyethylene through multiple verification methods including weight loss measurements, surface erosion analysis, and chemical changes on the plastic surface, offering a potential biological approach to addressing plastic waste.
Plastic, a polymer synthesized from petrochemicals, is used worldwide. However, natural degradation of plastic is difficult, causing environmental pollution, with microplastics posing a serious threat to human health. In this study, we aimed to use a new screening method based on the oxidation-reduction indicator, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, to isolate a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, , from insect larvae. Plastic-degrading strains are identified by the color change in the redox indicator from blue to colorless as plastic metabolism occurs. Polyethylene biodegradation by was verified through weight loss, surface erosion, physiological evidence, and chemical changes on the plastic surface. In addition, we analyzed the characteristics of hydrocarbon metabolism in polyethylene-degrading bacteria. Results suggested that alkane hydroxylation and alcohol dehydrogenation were key steps in polyethylene degradation. This novel screening method will pave the way for high-throughput screening of polyethylene-degrading microorganisms and extending its application to other types of plastics may potentially address plastic pollution.
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