Biodegradation of LDPE by enzimatic extract obtained from the Fungus Fusarium Oxysporum grown on Brewer's Bran

Given the need to find sustainable alternatives to mitigate plastic pollution, this study evaluated the potential of an enzymatic extract obtained from the fungus F. oxysporum, cultivated on brewers' bran, to initiate the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). To this end, a methodology was developed to cultivate the fungus in a bioreactor specially designed for the project, using the agro-industrial waste as a substrate. The enzymatic extract was then applied to LDPE sheets previously photodegraded with ultraviolet light. Changes in the weight of the test tubes and protein production in the extract were monitored for three weeks. A progressive increase in protein concentration was observed, especially in the third week, suggesting greater enzymatic activity at that time. Although the mass loss in the LDPE was slight, the results indicate that the extract was able to induce an initial degradation process. These findings support the possibility that using F. oxysporum in combination with agro-industrial waste could be a promising way to treat certain plastics in a way that reduces their environmental impact.