Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology

Investigating the Organisms and Mechanisms of Traditional Plastic Biodegradation

Joonseok Tom^* Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
^*Correspondence: Joonseok Tom, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea, Email:

Received: 29-May-2023, Manuscript No. JPEB-23-21976; Editor assigned: 31-May-2023, Pre QC No. JPEB-23-21976 (PQ); Reviewed: 21-Jun-2023, QC No. JPEB-23-21976; Revised: 28-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. JPEB-23-21976 (R); Published: 05-Jul-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2157-7463.23.14.519

Description

Traditional plastics have become a significant environmental concern due to their persistence and adverse effects on ecosystems. However, a solution lies in the field of biodegradation. Researchers are actively exploring various organisms and mechanisms that can effectively break down traditional plastics, mitigating their environmental impact. This article delves into the world of biodegradation, highlighting some of the remarkable organisms and mechanisms currently under investigation for their potential to address the plastic waste crisis.

Microorganisms and enzymes

Traditional plastics are biodegradable because in large part to microorganisms. Certain bacteria and fungi possess the unique ability to produce enzymes capable of breaking down the complex molecular structures of plastics. For example, the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis has demonstrated the ability to feed on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a commonly used plastic in beverage bottles. This bacterium produces an enzyme called PETase, which breaks down PET into its constituent monomers, facilitating its degradation.

Apart from PETase, other enzymes such as cutinases, lipases, and esterases have also shown in breaking down various types of plastics. Scientists are actively exploring and optimizing these enzymes to enhance their plastic-degrading capabilities. Additionally, metagenomic approaches, which involve studying the collective genetic material of microbial communities, have led to the discovery of novel enzymes with potential applications in plastic biodegradation.

Natural and engineered biopolymers

Biopolymers, derived from natural sources, offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials are often biodegradable and can be produced from renewable resources. For example, Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of biopolymers produced by certain bacteria as intracellular storage compounds. PHAs possess properties similar to conventional plastics while being biodegradable in various environments.

Researchers are also exploring the engineering of organisms to produce biopolymers with desired properties. By introducing specific genes into microorganisms, scientists can manipulate their metabolic pathways to produce novel biopolymers. This approach enables the production of biodegradable plastics with modified properties, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Insects and marine organisms

Insects and marine organisms have also captured the attention of researchers in effective plastic biodegradation. For instance, mealworms and waxworms, the larvae of certain beetles, have been found to consume and digest polystyrene, a common plastic used in packaging materials. These organisms possess gut bacteria capable of breaking down polystyrene and utilizing it as a carbon source.

Similarly, several marine organisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, have shown potential in breaking down plastics in marine environments. Researchers are studying the enzymes and metabolic processes of these organisms to unlock their full biodegradation capabilities.

Conclusion

Exploring organisms and mechanisms for biodegradation is a avenue for addressing the plastic waste crisis. Microorganisms and their enzymes, natural and engineered biopolymers, as well as insects and marine organisms, all offer potential solutions to combat plastic pollution. Continued research and development in this field to developing sustainable alternatives and reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastics.