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Application of fungal microorganisms for the degradation “in vitro” of synthetic polymers
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Researchers tested six fungal species for their ability to degrade high-density and low-density polyethylene in laboratory conditions, finding that all produced detectable degradation effects. Fungal biodegradation of polyethylene could help address the accumulation of this common plastic before it fragments into microplastics.
The present study evaluated the application of 6 fungal microorganisms in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), both in pellet form. The fungal microorganisms evaluated were: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium italicum, Pycnoporus sanguineus, isolated from different sources (leaves, fruits, agricultural soil, and vegetables). While, Pleurotus ostreatus was also provided by the Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina (UNALM). The degradative capacity of the fungi was evaluated in two stages. The first was carried out in an incubator for a period of 46 days at 26°C using an artisanal culture medium (Potato Dextrose Agar, PDA). The highest degradation percentages of 2.85 % and 1.83% were achieved with Fusarium culmorum on HDPE and LDPE, respectively, followed by Pycnoporus sanguineus with 2.16% on HDPE and 1.73% on LDPE. These results were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), hyphae development, micelle formation, as well as cracks and striations on the surface of the plastic were observed. In a second stage, both fungi and polymers were evaluated for a period of 4 months, and a higher percentage of mass reduction was produced with Fusarium culmorum with values of 6.24% for HDPE and 7.81% for LDPE. The biodegradation of both polymers was evidenced, and further research is needed to im p ro ve efficiency by optimizing parameters such as time, temperature, and culture medium.
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This review examines how fungi — including naturally occurring species found in soil and marine environments — can break down common plastic polymers including polyethylene under low-nutrient conditions. Laboratory evidence suggests some fungal species can degrade plastic pellets, reducing their mass and size, offering a potentially cheaper and more ecologically compatible alternative to industrial plastic disposal methods. Scaling up fungal biodegradation remains a challenge, but the findings suggest microbes could play a significant role in reducing environmental microplastic accumulation over time.
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