We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodegradation of polyethylene: a brief review
Summary
This review examines research on biodegradation of polyethylene by microorganisms, summarizing the physico-chemical changes observed and noting that while promising bacterial strains have been identified, complete biodegradation under ambient conditions has not been achieved.
Abstract Plastic waste management and recycling became a serious global issue as it affects living beings from all the ecosystems. Researchers investigated biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) by measuring changes in various physico-chemical and structural characteristics using techniques like as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), etc. However, these evidences are not enough to prove the exact biodegradation of PE. In this review, we summarized microbial biodegradation of polyethylene and discussed recent developments for the candidate microbial enzymes and their possible roles in PE degradation. In addition, we conversed the advanced technologies correctly used for measuring PE degradation using isotope-labeled PE to figure out its metabolism into the end products like as 13 CO 2 .
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Challenges with Verifying Microbial Degradation of Polyethylene
This critical review examines published claims of microbial polyethylene degradation, finding that while surface colonization and minor chemical changes have been demonstrated, complete biodegradation of polyethylene under ambient conditions remains unproven and methodological rigor is often lacking.
Recent progresses and perspectives of polyethylene biodegradation by bacteria and fungi: A review
This review examines the current state of polyethylene biodegradation by bacteria and fungi, one of the most widely used and difficult-to-degrade plastics. Researchers found that factors such as surface hydrophobicity, physical pretreatment, and environmental conditions significantly influence microbial degradation rates, with biodegradation involving biofilm formation, fragmentation, and eventual mineralization.
Isolation and characterization of new bacterial strains degrading low-density polyethylene
Researchers isolated and characterized new bacterial strains capable of degrading low-density polyethylene, one of the most common plastic polymers. The strains were found in landfill and compost environments, and the study suggests that biological degradation could be a promising approach for addressing polyethylene waste accumulation.
Novel Approach in Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers: An Overview
This review examines microbial biodegradation pathways for synthetic thermoplastic polymers including polyethylene, highlighting the ecological threat of non-degradable plastics and discussing the mechanisms by which microorganisms can break down both natural and synthetic polymers.
A Review on the Role of Microbes in Polyethene Degradation
This review synthesises literature from 2010 to 2021 on microbial degradation of polyethylene, identifying 19 bacterial and actinomycete genera and 5 fungal genera capable of degrading the polymer via extracellular depolymerases that cleave polymer chains into low molecular weight fragments subsequently assimilated through cell membranes.