Papers

Electroactive properties of EABs in response to long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics/nanoplastics and the underlying adaptive mechanisms

This study investigated how long-term exposure to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affects bacteria that generate electricity in biofilms, which are used in wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring. After initial disruption, the bacteria adapted and actually increased their electrical activity over time. While technically focused on biofilm applications, the findings show that microplastics can fundamentally alter microbial behavior in the environment, which may have broader implications for how polluted ecosystems function.

Computational Redesign of a PETase for Plastic Biodegradation under Ambient Condition by the GRAPE Strategy

Researchers developed a computational protein engineering strategy called GRAPE to redesign a PET-degrading enzyme from Ideonella sakaiensis. The resulting DuraPETase variant showed a 31-degree-Celsius increase in thermal stability and over 300-fold improved degradation of PET films at mild temperatures, achieving complete biodegradation of 2 g/L microplastics into water-soluble products under ambient conditions.

Exploring the adsorption potential of different Ganoderma lucidum mycelium morphologies for microplastic removal

Extraction of Chitin from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and Its Puparium by Using Biological Treatment

Researchers extracted chitin from black soldier fly adults and puparia using a biological fermentation treatment with lactic acid bacteria, achieving effective demineralization and deproteinization while avoiding the environmental pollution caused by traditional chemical extraction methods.

Decoding Microplastic-Induced Adaptive Strategies in Electroactive Biofilms: Stress Resistance Pathways and Enhanced Extracellular Electron Transfer

This study examined how PVC and polypropylene microplastics trigger different stress responses in electroactive biofilms used in bioelectrochemical systems, finding PVC induced metabolic adaptation through enzyme upregulation while PP caused physical biofilm restructuring — both ultimately maintaining extracellular electron transfer function.

Reaction kinetics and product distributions in thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of agricultural mulch films over HZSM-5 zeolite

This study examined how spent plastic mulch films — which shed microplastics into agricultural soils — could be recycled through pyrolysis (heat-based chemical breakdown), including with the help of a zeolite catalyst. The catalyst lowered the temperature needed to break down the films and shifted the mix of chemical products produced, potentially making recycling more efficient. Finding viable disposal routes for agricultural plastic waste is important for reducing the microplastic burden in farmland.

Exploring the Feasibility of Cell-Free Synthesis as a Platform for Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper is not about microplastics; it reviews cell-free synthesis as a platform for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Light‐Driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation of Dicarboxylic Acids

Researchers expanded the substrate range of a light-activated enzyme that breaks down fatty acids, enabling it to work on a new class of molecules (dicarboxylic acids). While focused on enzyme chemistry, this type of research supports development of biological tools for breaking down plastic polymers.

Computational redesign of a PETase for plastic biodegradation by the GRAPE strategy

Researchers engineered a more stable version of the enzyme PETase, which breaks down PET plastic, using a computational protein design strategy. The improved enzyme could enable more efficient industrial biodegradation of PET plastic waste, including microplastics.