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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Unveiling the residual plastics and produced toxicity during biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor)
ClearBiodegradation of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polylactic acid microplastics in Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physiological responses
Mealworms were fed three types of microplastics (PVC, polystyrene, and PLA) and successfully biodegraded all three, but with significant physiological costs including weight loss, reduced survival, and increased oxidative stress. PVC was the hardest to degrade and caused the most harm, while biodegradable PLA was the easiest and least damaging. The study shows that biological approaches to breaking down microplastics are possible but that certain plastic types generate toxic byproducts during the process.
Feeding and metabolism effects of three common microplastics on Tenebrio molitor L.
Mealworm larvae from three Chinese regions were fed microplastics (polystyrene, PVC, and LDPE) and were found to actually break down some of the plastic in their gut. The ability of mealworms to partially degrade certain plastics makes them a potential tool for biological plastic waste management.
Biodegradation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae
Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae were tested for their ability to biodegrade rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic powder. The larvae depolymerized and partially biodegraded PVC, extending earlier findings that mealworms can degrade polystyrene and polyethylene to a third major plastic polymer type.
Biodegradation of various grades of polyethylene microplastics by Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus larvae: Effects on their physiology
Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus) were fed different grades of polyethylene plastic to test their ability to biodegrade this common plastic. Both species could consume and partially break down all three types of polyethylene, though the process caused oxidative stress and shifted their gut bacteria. This research suggests biological degradation of plastic waste is possible, which could help reduce the environmental breakdown of plastics into harmful microplastics.
Molecular-Weight-Dependent Degradation of Plastics: Deciphering Host–Microbiome Synergy Biodegradation of High-Purity Polypropylene Microplastics by Mealworms
Researchers confirmed that mealworms can biodegrade polypropylene, one of the most common and persistent plastics, by working together with their gut bacteria. The study found that the worms could break down polypropylene across a range of molecular weights, though higher molecular weight plastics were harder to process. This biological degradation approach is promising for addressing microplastic pollution, as polypropylene is a major source of microplastics found in food, water, and human tissue.
Unveiling Fragmentation of Plastic Particles during Biodegradation of Polystyrene and Polyethylene Foams in Mealworms: Highly Sensitive Detection and Digestive Modeling Prediction
Researchers discovered that mealworms biodegrading polystyrene and polyethylene foams generate micro- and nanoplastic fragments during the digestion process, despite removing over 70% of the ingested plastic. The study developed a digestive biofragmentation model to predict plastic fragmentation patterns, suggesting that insect-based plastic biodegradation may create secondary contamination that warrants further assessment.
Biodegradation of aged polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae)
Yellow mealworm larvae were able to consume and biodegrade both fresh and aged polyethylene film and polystyrene foam over a 35-day period. While aged plastics slightly slowed larval growth, the worms still broke down the plastic with help from their gut bacteria, confirmed by chemical analysis showing structural changes in the consumed plastic. This biological approach to plastic degradation could help reduce the amount of plastic waste that eventually breaks down into microplastics in the environment.
Generation and Fate of Nanoplastics in the Intestine of Plastic-Degrading Insect (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) during Polystyrene Microplastic Biodegradation
Researchers tracked what happens to nanoplastics inside mealworm larvae as they digest polystyrene microplastics. They found that nanoplastics were generated during digestion and initially accumulated in gut tissues and glands, but concentrations declined over four weeks and eventually fell below detection limits, suggesting the larvae and their gut microbes can work together to break down even these tiny plastic particles.
The interplay of larval age and particle size regulates micro-polystyrene biodegradation and development of Tenebrio molitor L.
Researchers found that three-month-old mealworm larvae are optimal for polystyrene microplastic biodegradation, showing the highest consumption rates and confirmed depolymerization in their frass, with comparable survival to control groups when co-fed with wheat bran.
Impacts of physical-chemical property of polyethylene on depolymerization and biodegradation in yellow and dark mealworms with high purity microplastics
Researchers examined how polyethylene physical and chemical properties affect biodegradation by mealworms, finding that lower molecular weight, greater branching, and lower crystallinity significantly enhance the insects' ability to depolymerize and biodegrade different PE microplastics.
Mitigation of Soil Pollution by Biodegradation of Plastic Materials through Activity of Mealworms
This review examines how mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade plastics including polystyrene and polyethylene, and discusses their use in circular production systems. Insect-based plastic biodegradation represents a promising biological approach to reducing plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics in the environment.
Biodegradation of Post-Consumer Expanded Polystyrene and Low-Density Polyethylene by Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Scientists found that mealworms (beetle larvae) can actually break down used plastic bags and foam containers by eating them and changing their chemical structure. The mealworms produce waste that contains smaller plastic pieces and chemical compounds, which could potentially reduce plastic pollution in the environment. This research is important because it shows a natural way to help deal with the massive amounts of plastic waste that currently pile up in landfills and oceans.
Isolation of Plastic Digesting Microbes from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Tenebrio Molitor
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 and Carbon Resource Recovery of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) by Mealworms: Removal Efficiency, Depolymerization Pattern, and Microplastic Residue
Researchers fed mealworms the biodegradable plastic PBAT and tracked degradation efficiency, depolymerization products, and residual microplastic generation, finding that mealworms could partially biodegrade PBAT while recovering carbon in frass, but that microplastic residues remained a concern.
Responses of gut microbiomes to commercial polyester polymer biodegradation in Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Researchers demonstrated that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can rapidly biodegrade commercial polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, with gut microbiome analysis revealing specific bacterial communities that shift in response to PET consumption and enable its breakdown.
Gut Microbiome and Degradation Product Formation during Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene by Mealworm Larvae under Different Feeding Strategies
Researchers found that mealworm larvae successfully degrade polystyrene under different feeding strategies, with gut microbiome composition and degradation byproduct profiles varying by diet, demonstrating that diet manipulation can optimize the biological plastic-degradation capacity of the mealworm system.
Influence of Polymer Size on Polystyrene Biodegradation in Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor): Responses of Depolymerization Pattern, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolome to Polymers with Low to Ultrahigh Molecular Weight
Mealworms fed polystyrene microplastics of varying molecular weights (low to ultrahigh) over 24 days showed significant differences in biodegradation rate, gut microbiome composition, and metabolic profiles. Lower molecular weight polystyrene was biodegraded more efficiently, suggesting that polymer molecular weight is a key factor in insect-mediated plastic degradation.
Biodegradation of Different Types of Plastics by Tenebrio molitor Insect
This study reviewed the potential of mealworm beetle larvae (Tenebrio molitor) to biodegrade multiple plastic types through gut microbiota activity, finding that the larvae could break down various polymers including polystyrene and polyethylene, making entomoremediation a promising avenue for plastic waste reduction.
Sourcing chitin from exoskeleton of Tenebrio molitor fed with polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap
Researchers sourced chitin from the exoskeletons of mealworm larvae fed diets containing polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap mixed with bran. The study found that while plastic-fed larvae produced heavier exoskeletons, no plastic residues were detected in the chitin, suggesting that mealworms can effectively degrade plastic waste while still yielding usable chitin.
Technological application potential of polyethylene and polystyrene biodegradation by macro-organisms such as mealworms and wax moth larvae
Researchers tested polyethylene biodegradation by mealworms and wax moth larvae across multiple experimental setups, finding that while live larvae altered LDPE surface morphology, homogenized larval paste produced no detectable mass loss or ethylene glycol, suggesting a mechanism beyond gut microbiome action alone. Techno-economic and life cycle assessment analysis indicated that scaling this process as a plastic waste management technology is currently not feasible.