We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biotechnological Potential for Microplastic Waste
Summary
This article reviews how biotechnology — including engineered microbes and enzymes — can be used to break down microplastic waste. As conventional plastic recycling falls short, biological approaches offer a promising complement to reduce the accumulation of microplastics in the environment.
Plastic has become a critical material in the modern world due to its low cost and easy production. However, inadequate management and open disposal make plastic a major obstacle to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This article emphasizes the role of biotechnology in addressing the issue of microplastic waste.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Enzymes to make plastics disappear
This review article discusses the problem of plastic waste accumulating in the environment, including the formation of microplastics, and explores the potential of engineered enzymes to break down synthetic polymers as a biological solution to plastic pollution.
Biological Upcycling of Plastics Waste
This review summarizes research on using biological systems -- including enzymes, bacteria, and engineered microbes -- to break down plastic waste into useful chemicals and materials. Rather than traditional recycling that produces lower-quality plastic each time, biological approaches can convert waste plastics into valuable products like biodegradable plastics, fuels, and specialty chemicals, potentially reducing the flow of plastics into the environment where they break into harmful microplastics.
Genetic engineering approach to address microplastic environmental pollution: a review
This review explores how genetic engineering approaches could enhance the ability of microorganisms to biodegrade microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers highlight that while wild-type microbes struggle to break down plastics due to their high molecular weight and crystallinity, engineered enzymes and organisms show potential for more effective plastic pollution remediation.
Microbial biotechnology addressing the plastic waste disaster
This review covers how microbial biotechnology can help address plastic pollution, from engineering microorganisms to degrade plastics to developing biodegradable alternatives. Biological approaches to plastic management could help reduce the global accumulation of microplastics.
Microplastic Accumulation and Degradation in Environment via Biotechnological Approaches
This review examines how biotechnological approaches, including genetic engineering, genome editing, and synthetic biology, can enhance microbial degradation of plastics. Researchers found that while microplastics and nanoplastics are now found throughout the environment and even in food and the human body, improved methods for plastic biodegradation could help reduce their production. The study highlights the potential of engineered microorganisms as a strategy for addressing plastic waste accumulation.