We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to A New Coleoptera Member ( Ulomoides dermestoides ) to Biodegrade Plastics
ClearANew ColeopteraMember (Ulomoidesdermestoides) to Biodegrade Plastics
Researchers found that Ulomoides dermestoides beetle larvae can biodegrade polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene with mass reductions of 55.3%, 50.2%, and 49.4% respectively, comparable to the well-studied Tenebrio molitor larvae. Gut microbiome and transcriptome analyses revealed that both species degrade PS and PP primarily via gut microbiota, while PE degradation involves synergistic effort between larval host and microbiota, with interspecies differences in biodegradation efficiency linked to gut microbiome diversity.
Nature’s solution to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons: A life cycle study of beeswax and plastic eating insect larvae
Researchers examined the lifecycle stages of three beeswax-eating insect larvae species (Galleria mellonella, Achroia grisella, and Uloma sp.) and measured their ability to degrade beeswax, polyethylene, and polystyrene under laboratory conditions. They found that all three insect larvae caused measurable weight loss in polyethylene and polystyrene feeds over time, confirming biodegradation capacity and identifying these species as potential biological agents for plastic waste degradation.
Soil fauna Protaetia brevitarsis mediated polyethylene microplastic biodegradation
Researchers found that larvae of the beetle Protaetia brevitarsis can biodegrade polyethylene microplastics in soil, with gut microbiome analysis revealing specific bacterial communities responsible for PE degradation, suggesting potential for insect-mediated plastic bioremediation.
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.
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.
Plastics shape the black soldier fly larvae gut microbiome and select for biodegrading functions
Researchers found that black soldier fly larvae can adapt their gut microbiome to digest a wide range of plastics, shifting their microbial communities to favor biodegrading functions. This suggests the insects could serve as living incubators for discovering new plastic-breaking enzymes for industrial cleanup applications.
Mitogenomic profiling and gut microbial analysis of the newly identified polystyrene-consuming lesser mealworm in Kenya
Researchers identified a lesser mealworm species in Kenya capable of consuming and surviving on polystyrene plastic, while also characterizing the gut bacteria — including Kluyvera and Enterobacter — likely responsible for plastic breakdown. This is the first report of plastic-degrading lesser mealworms from Africa and points toward insect-based bioremediation as a promising tool for plastic waste management.
Entomoremediation: An ecofriendly approach for waste management: A review
This review examines how insects and larvae can consume organic waste and potentially degrade plastic materials as a sustainable waste management approach called entomoremediation. Some insect larvae have shown ability to ingest and partially break down plastics, offering a low-cost biological waste processing option.
Destruction of Polystyrene by Larvae of Ulomoides dermestoides (Chevrolat, 1878) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Researchers found that larvae of the darkling beetle Ulomoides dermestoides can degrade expanded polystyrene, with mass loss rates of 44-68% depending on EPS piece size, and that degradation rate varied with larval development stage and was positively correlated with larval count.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
Researchers examined the biodegradation of polystyrene by Tenebrionidae beetle larvae, testing the ability of plastic-eating mealworm larvae to break down the highly stable, hydrophobic polymer. The study characterized polymer molecular weight changes, gut microbiome contributions, and metabolic byproducts, demonstrating that larval gut bacteria play a key role in PS depolymerization.
Enhanced biodegradation of microplastic and phthalic acid ester plasticizer: The role of gut microorganisms in black soldier fly larvae
Researchers discovered that black soldier fly larvae can biodegrade microplastics and phthalate plasticizers, with their gut microorganisms playing a key role in the breakdown process. The study found that the larvae's digestive bacteria enhanced the degradation of both contaminants, suggesting that insect-based bioprocessing could offer a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
A toxicological perspective of plastic biodegradation by insect larvae
This review examines how larvae of certain beetle and moth species can consume and biodegrade synthetic polymers including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, with their gut microbiomes playing a key role in the degradation process. While promising for plastic waste management, the study also raises toxicological concerns about the breakdown intermediates and chemical additives released during biodegradation.
Understanding the Ecological Robustness and Adaptability of the Gut Microbiome in Plastic-Degrading Superworms (Zophobas atratus) in Response to Microplastics and Antibiotics
Researchers studied superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae) that can eat and break down five major types of plastic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. They found that the gut microbiome of these insects adapted to digest different plastics even when challenged with antibiotics, suggesting the larvae and their gut bacteria work together in a robust system that could inform future plastic biodegradation strategies.
Examining the potential of plastic-fed black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as "bioincubators" of plastic-degrading bacteria.
Researchers examined whether black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) fed on plastic waste can serve as 'bioincubators' for plastic-degrading bacteria, investigating how gut microbiota shifts in response to plastic-containing diets and whether these bacteria retain degradation activity.
Perilaku pemilihan pakan plastik dan respons biologi imago kumbang Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Researchers investigated the feeding behavior and biological responses of adult mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) when offered plastic substrates, evaluating the potential of this insect species as a biodegrader of plastic waste. The study found that beetles exhibited selective feeding preferences among different plastic types and that plastic consumption affected key biological parameters including survival and reproduction.
Polystyrene shaping effect on the enriched bacterial community from the plastic-eating Alphitobius diaperinus (Insecta: Coleoptera)
Researchers enriched and identified bacteria from the gut of polystyrene-fed lesser mealworm beetles, isolating Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas species that attached to plastic surfaces, confirming these microbes as promising candidates for breaking down polystyrene waste.
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.
Microplastics Biofragmentation and Degradation Kinetics in the Plastivore Insect Tenebrio molitor
This study examined microplastic biofragmentation and degradation kinetics in the plastivore insect Tenebrio molitor, quantifying how gut passage changes plastic particle size distribution and chemical composition during biodegradation.
Plastic Biodegradation through Insects and their Symbionts Microbes: A Review
This review examines how insects and their gut microbes can break down plastic waste, covering species like mealworms and waxworms that can digest polyethylene and polystyrene. The bacteria living in insect guts are responsible for much of this plastic-degrading activity. Insect-based biodegradation could offer a scalable biological solution to reducing plastic pollution.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
Researchers tested the ability of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and superworm (Zophobas morio) larvae to biodegrade polystyrene foam through feeding experiments with different dietary conditions. They found that both species could consume and break down polystyrene, with gut microorganisms playing a key role in the degradation process. The study suggests that insect-based biodegradation could offer a biological approach to addressing polystyrene waste in the environment.
Cockroach Blaptica dubia biodegrades polystyrene plastics: Insights for superior ability, microbiome and host genes
Researchers discovered that the cockroach species Blaptica dubia can effectively biodegrade polystyrene plastic, digesting nearly half of ingested material within 24 hours. They identified specific gut bacteria and enzymes responsible for breaking down the plastic polymer chains. The finding opens up new possibilities for biological approaches to plastic waste management using insect-microbiome systems.
Tenebrio molitor: possible source of polystyrene-degrading bacteria
Researchers identified that Klebsiella oxytoca bacteria, found in the gut of mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor), may be key players in breaking down polystyrene plastic, pointing to insects as a potential source of microbe-based plastic biodegradation solutions.
Beyond Microbial Biodegradation: Plastic Degradation by Galleria mellonella
Researchers reviewed the ability of the wax moth larva Galleria mellonella to degrade various types of plastic, including polyethylene. The study highlights this insect as one of the most promising biological approaches to plastic waste degradation, as it produces enzymes capable of breaking down polyethylene, offering a potential complement to microbial biodegradation strategies.
The Ability of Insects to Degrade Complex Synthetic Polymers
This review synthesizes research on insect-mediated biodegradation of synthetic polymers, examining species from Coleopteran and Lepidopteran orders — including mealworms, wax moths, and flour beetles — whose gut microbial symbionts enable breakdown of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, and PVC into lower molecular weight, less toxic excreta.