We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterising the Multiple‐Plastic Degrading Strain of Bacillus subtilis GM_03 From the Galleria mellonella Microbiome
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterizes a Bacillus bacterial strain with the ability to degrade multiple types of plastic polymers, including common materials like polyethylene and polypropylene. Researchers examined the enzymatic mechanisms and conditions that enable this strain to break down diverse plastic substrates. The findings highlight this organism's potential as a tool for biological plastic waste remediation.
Plastic waste is a mounting global problem with over 400 million tons of plastic produced annually and over 50% ending up in landfill after its intended use. Two types of plastics are particularly problematic and are difficult to recycle: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyurethane (PU). Fortuitously, nature may offer a potential solution; Galleria mellonella larvae can digest various plastics, including LDPE, which is believed to be driven by microbes in their gut microbiome. Although some studies have examined their gut microbiota on a metagenomic level, little is known about their ability to degrade plastics. Here, we isolated six bacterial strains from G. mellonella larvae feeding on LDPE. One of them, identified as Bacillus subtilis GM_03, has the capacity to break down commercial PU (Impranil), in addition to LDPE. This bacterium encodes a suite of genes required for plastic degradation. Directed evolution was used to enhance this strain's plastic degrading rate by over six-fold. Sequencing of the evolved culture revealed four genes, srfAB, fadD, appA and citS, associated with this increased PU degradation rate. This is the first time that B. subtilis isolated from G. mellonella larvae has been shown to be capable of degrading multiple types of plastics.
More Papers Like This
Identification of the gut bacteria of the greater wax moth
AI summary Read the abstract
This study identified gut bacteria in the greater wax moth that can break down plastic materials, contributing to understanding of insect-associated microorganisms capable of plastic degradation. The findings add to growing evidence that insect gut microbiomes could be harnessed as biological tools for reducing plastic waste.
Isolation of Plastic Digesting Microbes from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Tenebrio Molitor
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated bacteria from the gut of Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae that are capable of degrading polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics. The identified gut microbes showed plastic-degrading enzymatic activity, suggesting potential for bioremediation applications.
Biodegradation of Polyethylene by Enterobacter sp. D1 from the Guts of Wax Moth Galleria mellonella
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated the bacterium Enterobacter sp. D1 from the gut of wax moth larvae and found it capable of biodegrading polyethylene film. After 14 days of cultivation, the bacteria formed colonies on the plastic surface and caused visible damage including roughness and cracks. The study suggests that gut bacteria from plastic-consuming insects could offer potential avenues for developing biological approaches to plastic waste management.
Physicochemical and structural evidence that Bacillus cereus isolated from the gut of waxworms (Galleria mellonella larvae) biodegrades polypropylene efficiently in vitro
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated Bacillus cereus from the gut of Galleria mellonella (waxworm) larvae and demonstrated its ability to efficiently biodegrade polypropylene in vitro, confirming surface degradation via scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, with implications for microbial approaches to plastic waste management.
Physicochemical and Structural Evidence that Bacillus cereus Isolated from the Gut of Waxworms (Galleria mellonella Larvae) Biodegrades Polypropylene Efficiently In Vitro
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated Bacillus cereus bacteria from waxworm gut microbiota and demonstrated that it biodegrades polypropylene plastic in vitro by oxidizing the polymer surface to form carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, with high-temperature gel permeation chromatography confirming measurable molecular weight reduction — pointing to potential enzymes for future plastic-degradation applications.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.