251
|
Wright RJ, Langille MGI, Walker TR. Food or just a free ride? A meta-analysis reveals the global diversity of the Plastisphere. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 15:789-806. [PMID: 33139870 PMCID: PMC8027867 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is now indisputable that plastics are ubiquitous and problematic in ecosystems globally. Many suggestions have been made about the role that biofilms colonizing plastics in the environment—termed the “Plastisphere”—may play in the transportation and ecological impact of these plastics. By collecting and re-analyzing all raw 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metadata from 2,229 samples within 35 studies, we have performed the first meta-analysis of the Plastisphere in marine, freshwater, other aquatic (e.g., brackish or aquaculture) and terrestrial environments. We show that random forest models can be trained to differentiate between groupings of environmental factors as well as aspects of study design, but—crucially—also between plastics when compared with control biofilms and between different plastic types and community successional stages. Our meta-analysis confirms that potentially biodegrading Plastisphere members, the hydrocarbonoclastic Oceanospirillales and Alteromonadales are consistently more abundant in plastic than control biofilm samples across multiple studies and environments. This indicates the predilection of these organisms for plastics and confirms the urgent need for their ability to biodegrade plastics to be comprehensively tested. We also identified key knowledge gaps that should be addressed by future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J Wright
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Morgan G I Langille
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
252
|
Carniel A, Gomes ADC, Coelho MAZ, de Castro AM. Process strategies to improve biocatalytic depolymerization of post-consumer PET packages in bioreactors, and investigation on consumables cost reduction. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2020; 44:507-516. [PMID: 33111179 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-020-02461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Massive plastics production has raised concerns about low recycling rates and disposal of these materials in nature, causing environmental and economic impacts. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of main polymers used for manufacture of plastic packaging (e.g. bottles, trays). Enzymatic recycling of PET has been a route of increasing study aiming at to recover its monomers (terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol), resulting in a circular production chain. In this study, investigation of pH control and fractionation of enzyme feeding were explored in post-consumed PET (PC-PET) hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by Humicola insolens cutinase (HiC) in stirred reactors. It was found that the unbuffered reaction provided of pH control by 0.5 M NaOH addition showed 2.39-fold improvement in the released monomers (to a total of 26.3 mM), comparatively to the Tris-HCl-buffered reaction. In addition, it was observed a possibility of reducing the enzyme loading used in the process by half, leading to an increase of 2.41-fold in the specific terephthalic acid concentration released per protein amount, whilst maintaining a high products concentration (97 mM). A simplified cost analysis of reaction consumables was performed, and the data reported here demonstrates that these alternative process strategies contribute to costs reduction on the enzymatic depolymerization reactions of PET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Carniel
- Falcão Bauer, R. Aquinos, 111. Água Branca, São Paulo, 05036‑070, Brazil.,Department of Biochemical Engineering, Escola de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Absai da Conceição Gomes
- Biotechnology Division, Research and Development Center, PETROBRAS, Av. Horácio Macedo, 950, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941‑915, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Zarur Coelho
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Escola de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Aline Machado de Castro
- Biotechnology Division, Research and Development Center, PETROBRAS, Av. Horácio Macedo, 950, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941‑915, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
253
|
Kadumudi FB, Trifol J, Jahanshahi M, Zsurzsan TG, Mehrali M, Zeqiraj E, Shaki H, Alehosseini M, Gundlach C, Li Q, Dong M, Akbari M, Knott A, Almdal K, Dolatshahi-Pirouz A. Flexible and Green Electronics Manufactured by Origami Folding of Nanosilicate-Reinforced Cellulose Paper. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:48027-48039. [PMID: 33035422 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Today's consumer electronics are made from nonrenewable and toxic components. They are also rigid, bulky, and manufactured in an energy-inefficient manner via CO2-generating routes. Though petroleum-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate can address the rigidity issue, they have a large carbon footprint and generate harmful waste. Scalable routes for manufacturing electronics that are both flexible and ecofriendly (Fleco) could address the challenges in the field. Ideally, such substrates must incorporate into electronics without compromising device performance. In this work, we demonstrate that a new type of wood-based [nanocellulose (NC)] material made via nanosilicate (NS) reinforcement can yield flexible electronics that can bend and roll without loss of electrical function. Specifically, the NSs interact electrostatically with NC to reinforce thermal and mechanical properties. For instance, films containing 34 wt % of NS displayed an increased young's modulus (1.5 times), thermal stability (290 → 310 °C), and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (40 ppm/K). These films can also easily be separated and renewed into new devices through simple and low-energy processes. Moreover, we used very cheap and environmentally friendly NC from American Value Added Pulping (AVAP) technology, American Process, and therefore, the manufacturing cost of our NS-reinforced NC paper is much cheaper ($0.016 per dm-2) than that of conventional NC-based substrates. Looking forward, the methodology highlighted herein is highly attractive as it can unlock the secrets of Fleco electronics and transform otherwise bulky, rigid, and "difficult-to-process" rigid circuits into more aesthetic and flexible ones while simultaneously bringing relief to an already-overburdened ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firoz Babu Kadumudi
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jon Trifol
- Danish Polymer Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mohammadjavad Jahanshahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, 4340847 Bam, Iran
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Science, Chabahar Maritime University, 9971756499 Chabahar, Iran
| | - Tiberiu-Gabriel Zsurzsan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mehdi Mehrali
- Department of Health Technology, Institute of Biotherapeutic Engineering and Drug Targeting, Center for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eva Zeqiraj
- Department of Physics, DTU Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hossein Shaki
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Biomedical Engineering Division, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box, 14115-111 Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Alehosseini
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carsten Gundlach
- Department of Physics, DTU Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Qiang Li
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100 Jinan, China
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Victoria, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Victoria, Canada
| | - Arnold Knott
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Almdal
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz
- Department of Health Technology, Institute of Biotherapeutic Engineering and Drug Targeting, Center for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Department of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
254
|
Wright RJ, Erni-Cassola G, Zadjelovic V, Latva M, Christie-Oleza JA. Marine Plastic Debris: A New Surface for Microbial Colonization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11657-11672. [PMID: 32886491 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics become rapidly colonized by microbes when released into marine environments. This microbial community-the Plastisphere-has recently sparked a multitude of scientific inquiries and generated a breadth of knowledge, which we bring together in this review. Besides providing a better understanding of community composition and biofilm development in marine ecosystems, we critically discuss current research on plastic biodegradation and the identification of potentially pathogenic "hitchhikers" in the Plastisphere. The Plastisphere is at the interface between the plastic and its surrounding milieu, and thus drives every interaction that this synthetic material has with its environment, from ecotoxicity and new links in marine food webs to the fate of the plastics in the water column. We conclude that research so far has not shown Plastisphere communities to starkly differ from microbial communities on other inert surfaces, which is particularly true for mature biofilm assemblages. Furthermore, despite progress that has been made in this field, we recognize that it is time to take research on plastic-Plastisphere-environment interactions a step further by identifying present gaps in our knowledge and offering our perspective on key aspects to be addressed by future studies: (I) better physical characterization of marine biofilms, (II) inclusion of relevant controls, (III) study of different successional stages, (IV) use of environmentally relevant concentrations of biofouled microplastics, and (V) prioritization of gaining a mechanistic and functional understanding of Plastisphere communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- Man-Society-Environment (MSE) program, University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Vinko Zadjelovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Mira Latva
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Joseph A Christie-Oleza
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain
- IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles 07190, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
255
|
Tiwari N, Santhiya D, Sharma JG. Microbial remediation of micro-nano plastics: Current knowledge and future trends. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115044. [PMID: 32806397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
An alarming rise of micro-nano plastics (MNPs) in environment is currently causing the biggest threat to biotic and abiotic components around the globe. These pollutants, apart from being formed through fragmentation of larger plastic pieces and are also manufactured for commercial usage. MNPs enter agro-ecosystem, wildlife, and human body through the food chain, ingestion or through inhalation, causing blockage in the blood-brain barrier, lower fertility, and behavioural abnormalities among other problems. Hence, it becomes essential to develop novel procedures for remediation of MNPs. Among the numerous existing methods, microbial remediation promises to degrade/recover MNPs via a green route. Since microbial remediation processes mostly depend upon biotic and abiotic factors such as (temperature, pH, oxidative stress, etc.), it becomes easy to influence changes in the plastic pollutants. Hence, with the help of recent technologies, a complete degradation/removal of MNPs can be expected by utilizing the respective carbon content as energy sources for growth of microorganisms. In this review, considering the urgent environmental need, the impact of micro-nano plastics on ecosystem along with its corresponding degradation mechanisms has been brought out. Also, importance of the various recent research approaches in MNPs remediation is highlighted. Finally, the role of enzyme and membrane technology, nanoparticle technology, and metagenomics in remediation of MNPs are discussed for the first time in detail to bring out a novel remedy for the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| | - Deenan Santhiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| | - Jai Gopal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
256
|
A suspension-based assay and comparative detection methods for characterization of polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases. Anal Biochem 2020; 607:113873. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
257
|
Kumari A, Bano N, Chaudhary DR, Jha B. Draft genome sequence of plastic degrading Bacillus sp. AIIW2 isolated from the Arabian ocean. J Basic Microbiol 2020; 61:37-44. [PMID: 33006156 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The endemic spread of plastic in the environment requires urgent need of a sustainable approach. Marine microbes found to have vast bioactivity and play a central role in biogeochemical cycling in the ocean; however, very few of them had been explored for biochemical cycling or plastic degradation. In the present study, we report the draft genome sequence of marine Bacillus sp. AIIW2 which was found to utilize plastic as a carbon source. The Bacillus sonorensis SRCM101395 was used as a reference genome for mapping the reads. The genome size of strain AIIW2 was approximately 4.4 Mb and composed of 4737 coding sequences with 45.7% G + C contents. The whole genome comparison of strain AIIW2 with three closest Bacillus strains showed strain specificity, the 16S ribosomal RNA sequence shows 99.93% similarity with Bacillus paralicheniformis KJ-16T (KY694465). This genome data would provide the genetic basis in developing plastic bioremediation approaches and discover the enzymes pertinent in the biodegradation processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alka Kumari
- Division of Plant Omics, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Nasreen Bano
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.,CSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Doongar R Chaudhary
- Division of Plant Omics, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India.,CSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Division of Plant Omics, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
258
|
Characterization and engineering of a two-enzyme system for plastics depolymerization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25476-25485. [PMID: 32989159 PMCID: PMC7568301 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006753117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Deconstruction of recalcitrant polymers, such as cellulose or chitin, is accomplished in nature by synergistic enzyme cocktails that evolved over millions of years. In these systems, soluble dimeric or oligomeric intermediates are typically released via interfacial biocatalysis, and additional enzymes often process the soluble intermediates into monomers for microbial uptake. The recent discovery of a two-enzyme system for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) deconstruction, which employs one enzyme to convert the polymer into soluble intermediates and another enzyme to produce the constituent PET monomers (MHETase), suggests that nature may be evolving similar deconstruction strategies for synthetic plastics. This study on the characterization of the MHETase enzyme and synergy of the two-enzyme PET depolymerization system may inform enzyme cocktail-based strategies for plastics upcycling. Plastics pollution represents a global environmental crisis. In response, microbes are evolving the capacity to utilize synthetic polymers as carbon and energy sources. Recently, Ideonella sakaiensis was reported to secrete a two-enzyme system to deconstruct polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to its constituent monomers. Specifically, the I. sakaiensis PETase depolymerizes PET, liberating soluble products, including mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET), which is cleaved to terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol by MHETase. Here, we report a 1.6 Å resolution MHETase structure, illustrating that the MHETase core domain is similar to PETase, capped by a lid domain. Simulations of the catalytic itinerary predict that MHETase follows the canonical two-step serine hydrolase mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that MHETase evolved from ferulic acid esterases, and two homologous enzymes are shown to exhibit MHET turnover. Analysis of the two homologous enzymes and the MHETase S131G mutant demonstrates the importance of this residue for accommodation of MHET in the active site. We also demonstrate that the MHETase lid is crucial for hydrolysis of MHET and, furthermore, that MHETase does not turnover mono(2-hydroxyethyl)-furanoate or mono(2-hydroxyethyl)-isophthalate. A highly synergistic relationship between PETase and MHETase was observed for the conversion of amorphous PET film to monomers across all nonzero MHETase concentrations tested. Finally, we compare the performance of MHETase:PETase chimeric proteins of varying linker lengths, which all exhibit improved PET and MHET turnover relative to the free enzymes. Together, these results offer insights into the two-enzyme PET depolymerization system and will inform future efforts in the biological deconstruction and upcycling of mixed plastics.
Collapse
|
259
|
Chen J, Lin Y, Chen Y, Koning CE, Wu J, Wang H. Low‐crystallinity to highly amorphous copolyesters with high glass transition temperatures based on rigid carbohydrate‐derived building blocks. POLYM INT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.6123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering Donghua University Shanghai China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Product Technology University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Yiming Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering Donghua University Shanghai China
| | - Yong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering Donghua University Shanghai China
- Co‐Innovation Center for Textile Industry Donghua University Shanghai China
| | - Cor E Koning
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Product Technology University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- DSM Coating Resins Zwolle The Netherlands
| | - Jing Wu
- Co‐Innovation Center for Textile Industry Donghua University Shanghai China
| | - Huaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering Donghua University Shanghai China
- Co‐Innovation Center for Textile Industry Donghua University Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
260
|
Evaluation of the Biodegradation Efficiency of Four Various Types of Plastics by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from the Gut Extract of Superworms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091341. [PMID: 32887431 PMCID: PMC7563362 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic waste worldwide is becoming a serious pollution problem for the planet. Various physical and chemical methods have been tested in attempts to remove plastic dumps. However, these have usually resulted in secondary pollution issues. Recently, the biodegradation of plastic by fungal and bacterial strains has been spotlighted as a promising solution to remove plastic wastes without generating secondary pollution. We have previously reported that a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from the gut of a superworm is capable of biodegrading polystyrene (PS) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Herein, we demonstrate the extraordinary biodegradative power of P. aeruginosa in efficiently depolymerizing four different types of plastics: PS, PPS, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). We further compared biodegradation rates for these four plastic types and found that PE was biodegraded fastest, whereas the biodegradation of PP was the slowest. Moreover, the growth rates of P. aeruginosa were not always proportional to biodegradation rates, suggesting that the rate of bacterial growth could be influenced by the composition and properties of intermediate molecules produced during plastic biodegradation, and these may supply useful cellular precursors and energy. In conclusion, an initial screening system to select the most suitable bacterial strain to biodegrade certain types of plastic is particularly important and may be necessary to solve plastic waste problems both presently and in the future.
Collapse
|
261
|
Vollmer I, Jenks MJF, Roelands MCP, White RJ, van Harmelen T, de Wild P, van der Laan GP, Meirer F, Keurentjes JTF, Weckhuysen BM. Beyond Mechanical Recycling: Giving New Life to Plastic Waste. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:15402-15423. [PMID: 32160372 PMCID: PMC7497176 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201915651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing the stream of recycled plastic necessitates an approach beyond the traditional recycling via melting and re-extrusion. Various chemical recycling processes have great potential to enhance recycling rates. In this Review, a summary of the various chemical recycling routes and assessment via life-cycle analysis is complemented by an extensive list of processes developed by companies active in chemical recycling. We show that each of the currently available processes is applicable for specific plastic waste streams. Thus, only a combination of different technologies can address the plastic waste problem. Research should focus on more realistic, more contaminated and mixed waste streams, while collection and sorting infrastructure will need to be improved, that is, by stricter regulation. This Review aims to inspire both science and innovation for the production of higher value and quality products from plastic recycling suitable for reuse or valorization to create the necessary economic and environmental push for a circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Vollmer
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Michael J. F. Jenks
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Mark C. P. Roelands
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)DelftThe Netherlands
| | - Robin J. White
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)Materials Solutions DepartmentEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Toon van Harmelen
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)Climate, Air & Sustainability DepartmentUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Paul de Wild
- Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland (ECN)- part of TNO, Biomass & Energy EfficiencyPettenThe Netherlands
| | - Gerard P. van der Laan
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)Climate, Air & Sustainability DepartmentUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Florian Meirer
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Bert M. Weckhuysen
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
262
|
Purohit J, Chattopadhyay A, Teli B. Metagenomic Exploration of Plastic Degrading Microbes for Biotechnological Application. Curr Genomics 2020; 21:253-270. [PMID: 33071619 PMCID: PMC7521044 DOI: 10.2174/1389202921999200525155711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the last few decades, the promiscuous and uncontrolled use of plastics led to the accumulation of millions of tons of plastic waste in the terrestrial and marine environment. It elevated the risk of environmental pollution and climate change. The concern arises more due to the reckless and unscientific disposal of plastics containing high molecular weight polymers, viz., polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyethylene, etc. which are very difficult to degrade. Thus, the focus is now paid to search for efficient, eco-friendly, low-cost waste management technology. Of them, degradation of non-degradable synthetic polymer using diverse microbial agents, viz., bacteria, fungi, and other extremophiles become an emerging option. So far, very few microbial agents and their secreted enzymes have been identified and characterized for plastic degradation, but with low efficiency. It might be due to the predominance of uncultured microbial species, which consequently remain unexplored from the respective plastic degrading milieu. To overcome this problem, metagenomic analysis of microbial population engaged in the plastic biodegradation is advisable to decipher the microbial community structure and to predict their biodegradation potential in situ. Advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis allow the rapid metagenome screening that helps in the identification of total microbial community and also opens up the scope for mining genes or enzymes (hydrolases, laccase, etc.) engaged in polymer degradation. Further, the extraction of the core microbial population and their adaptation, fitness, and survivability can also be deciphered through comparative metagenomic study. It will help to engineer the microbial community and their metabolic activity to speed up the degradation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotika Purohit
- 1Department of Plant Pathology, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, SK Nagar, (Guj.), India; 2Division of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi, India; 3Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, (U.P.), India
| | - Anirudha Chattopadhyay
- 1Department of Plant Pathology, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, SK Nagar, (Guj.), India; 2Division of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi, India; 3Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, (U.P.), India
| | - Basavaraj Teli
- 1Department of Plant Pathology, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, SK Nagar, (Guj.), India; 2Division of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi, India; 3Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, (U.P.), India
| |
Collapse
|
263
|
Rosso MN, Berrin JG, Papon N. Less Wastage in a Bottle. TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
264
|
da Costa AM, de Oliveira Lopes VR, Vidal L, Nicaud JM, de Castro AM, Coelho MAZ. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) degradation by Yarrowia lipolytica: Investigations on cell growth, enzyme production and monomers consumption. Process Biochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
265
|
Krüger A, Schäfers C, Busch P, Antranikian G. Digitalization in microbiology - Paving the path to sustainable circular bioeconomy. N Biotechnol 2020; 59:88-96. [PMID: 32750680 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The transition to a sustainable bio-based circular economy requires cutting edge technologies that ensure economic growth with environmentally responsible action. This transition will only be feasible when the opportunities of digitalization are also exploited. Digital methods and big data handling have already found their way into life sciences and generally offer huge potential in various research areas. While computational analyses of microbial metagenome data have become state of the art, the true potential of bioinformatics remains mostly untapped so far. In this article we present challenges and opportunities of digitalization including multi-omics approaches in discovering and exploiting the microbial diversity of the planet with the aim to identify robust biocatalysts for application in sustainable bioprocesses as part of the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based circular economy. This will contribute to solving global challenges, including utilization of natural resources, food supply, health, energy and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krüger
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Christian Schäfers
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Philip Busch
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Garabed Antranikian
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
266
|
Zimmermann W. Biocatalytic recycling of polyethylene terephthalate plastic. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190273. [PMID: 32623985 PMCID: PMC7422893 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The global production of plastics made from non-renewable fossil feedstocks has grown more than 20-fold since 1964. While more than eight billion tons of plastics have been produced until today, only a small fraction is currently collected for recycling and large amounts of plastic waste are ending up in landfills and in the oceans. Pollution caused by accumulating plastic waste in the environment has become worldwide a serious problem. Synthetic polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have widespread use in food packaging materials, beverage bottles, coatings and fibres. Recently, it has been shown that post-consumer PET can be hydrolysed by microbial enzymes at mild reaction conditions in aqueous media. In a circular plastics economy, the resulting monomers can be recovered and re-used to manufacture PET products or other chemicals without depleting fossil feedstocks and damaging the environment. The enzymatic degradation of post-consumer plastics thereby represents an innovative, environmentally benign and sustainable alternative to conventional recycling processes. By the construction of powerful biocatalysts employing protein engineering techniques, a biocatalytic recycling of PET can be further developed towards industrial applications. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.
Collapse
|
267
|
Vollmer I, Jenks MJF, Roelands MCP, White RJ, Harmelen T, Wild P, Laan GP, Meirer F, Keurentjes JTF, Weckhuysen BM. Die nächste Generation des Recyclings – neues Leben für Kunststoffmüll. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201915651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Vollmer
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 3584 CG Utrecht Niederlande
| | - Michael J. F. Jenks
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 3584 CG Utrecht Niederlande
| | - Mark C. P. Roelands
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Delft Niederlande
| | - Robin J. White
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Materials Solutions Department Eindhoven Niederlande
| | - Toon Harmelen
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Climate, Air & Sustainability Department Utrecht Niederlande
| | - Paul Wild
- Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland (ECN) –, part of TNO, Biomass & Energy Efficiency Petten Niederlande
| | - Gerard P. Laan
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Climate, Air & Sustainability Department Utrecht Niederlande
| | - Florian Meirer
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 3584 CG Utrecht Niederlande
| | | | - Bert M. Weckhuysen
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 3584 CG Utrecht Niederlande
| |
Collapse
|
268
|
Sales JCS, de Castro AM, Ribeiro BD, Z. Coelho MA. Supplementation of watermelon peels as an enhancer of lipase and esterase production byYarrowia lipolyticain solid-state fermentation and their potential use as biocatalysts in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) depolymerization reactions. BIOCATAL BIOTRANSFOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10242422.2020.1782387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Cesar S. Sales
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline M. de Castro
- Biotechnology Division, Research and Development Center, PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bernardo D. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Z. Coelho
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
269
|
Li Z, Wei R, Gao M, Ren Y, Yu B, Nie K, Xu H, Liu L. Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by Microbulbifer hydrolyticus IRE-31. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 263:110402. [PMID: 32174537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widespread plastic materials. Nevertheless, due to its recalcitrance against biological degradation and the presence of toxic additives, landfilled and carelessly disposed PE products have caused serious pollution in the natural environments. In this work, we aimed to investigate the growth characteristics of Microbulbifer hydrolyticus IRE-31 and its application in the biological degradation of low-density PE. The IRE-31 strain was isolated from marine pulp mill wastes rich in lignin which is a natural complex polymer containing also saturated carbon-carbon bonds like in PE. Following 30 days cultivation of the IRE-31 strain, the biodegradation of linear low-density PE particles was evidenced clearly by morphological changes of the polymer surface monitored by scanning electron microscopy and the formation of additional carbonyl groups in the polymer chains indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Li
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Ren Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4, D-17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Meixi Gao
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yanru Ren
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Bo Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kaili Nie
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Haijun Xu
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Luo Liu
- Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
270
|
Non-Hydrolyzable Plastics - An Interdisciplinary Look at Plastic Bio-Oxidation. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:12-23. [PMID: 32487438 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enzymatic plastic conversion has emerged recently as a potential adjunct and alternative to conventional plastic waste management technology. Publicity over progress in the enzymatic degradation of polyesters largely neglects that the majority of commercial plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, are still not biodegradable. Details about the mechanisms used by enzymes and an understanding of macromolecular factors influencing these have proved to be vital in developing biodegradation methods for polyesters. To expand the application of enzymatic degradation to other more recalcitrant plastics, extensive knowledge gaps need to be addressed. By drawing on interdisciplinary knowledge, we suggest that physicochemical influences also have a crucial impact on reactions in less well-studied types of plastic, and these need to be investigated in detail.
Collapse
|
271
|
Gan Z, Zhang H. PMBD: a Comprehensive Plastics Microbial Biodegradation Database. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2020; 2019:5625879. [PMID: 31738435 PMCID: PMC6859810 DOI: 10.1093/database/baz119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the invention over a hundred years ago, plastics have been used in many applications, and they are involved in every aspect of our lives. The extensive usage of plastics results in a tremendous amount of waste, which has become a severe burden on the environment. Several degradation approaches exist in nature to cope with ever-increasing plastic waste. Among these approaches, biodegradation by microorganisms has emerged as a natural way, which is favored by many environmentally conscious societies. To facilitate the study on biodegradation of plastics, we developed an online resource, Plastics Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD), to gather and present the information about microbial biodegradation of plastics. In this database, 949 microorganisms–plastics relationships and 79 genes involved in the biodegradation of plastics were manually collected and confirmed through literature searching. In addition, more than 8000 automatically annotated enzyme sequences, which were predicted to be involved in the plastics biodegradation, were extracted from the TrEMBL section of the UniProt database. The PMBD database is presented with a website at http://pmbd.genome-mining.cn/home. Data may be accessed through browsing or searching. Also included on the website are a sequence alignment tool and a function prediction tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Gan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
| | - Houjin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
272
|
Wiltschi B, Cernava T, Dennig A, Galindo Casas M, Geier M, Gruber S, Haberbauer M, Heidinger P, Herrero Acero E, Kratzer R, Luley-Goedl C, Müller CA, Pitzer J, Ribitsch D, Sauer M, Schmölzer K, Schnitzhofer W, Sensen CW, Soh J, Steiner K, Winkler CK, Winkler M, Wriessnegger T. Enzymes revolutionize the bioproduction of value-added compounds: From enzyme discovery to special applications. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
273
|
Pellis A, Weinberger S, Gigli M, Guebitz GM, Farmer TJ. Enzymatic synthesis of biobased polyesters utilizing aromatic diols as the rigid component. Eur Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
274
|
Biodiversity of Microorganisms Colonizing the Surface of Polystyrene Samples Exposed to Different Aqueous Environments. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12093624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of marine and freshwater ecosystems with the items from thermoplastics, including polystyrene (PS), necessitates the search for efficient microbial degraders of these polymers. In the present study, the composition of prokaryotes in biofilms formed on PS samples incubated in seawater and the industrial water of a petrochemical plant were investigated. Using a high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, the predominance of Alphaproteobacteria (Blastomonas), Bacteroidetes (Chryseolinea), and Gammaproteobacteria (Arenimonas and Pseudomonas) in the biofilms on PS samples exposed to industrial water was revealed. Alphaproteobacteria (Erythrobacter) predominated on seawater-incubated PS samples. The local degradation of the PS samples was confirmed by scanning microscopy. The PS-colonizing microbial communities in industrial water differed significantly from the PS communities in seawater. Both communities have a high potential ability to carry out the carbohydrates and amino acids metabolism, but the potential for xenobiotic degradation, including styrene degradation, was relatively higher in the biofilms in industrial water. Bacteria of the genera Erythrobacter, Maribacter, and Mycobacterium were potential styrene-degraders in seawater, and Pseudomonas and Arenimonas in industrial water. Our results suggest that marine and industrial waters contain microbial populations potentially capable of degrading PS, and these populations may be used for the isolation of efficient PS degraders.
Collapse
|
275
|
Ru J, Huo Y, Yang Y. Microbial Degradation and Valorization of Plastic Wastes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:442. [PMID: 32373075 PMCID: PMC7186362 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing accumulation of plastic wastes has become a severe environmental and social issue. It is urgent to develop innovative approaches for the disposal of plastic wastes. In recent years, reports on biodegradation of synthetic plastics by microorganisms or enzymes have sprung up, and these offer a possibility to develop biological treatment technology for plastic wastes. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the microorganisms and enzymes that are able to degrade a variety of generally used synthetic plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, we have highlighted the microbial metabolic pathways for plastic depolymerization products and the current attempts toward utilization of such products as feedstocks for microbial production of chemicals with high value. Taken together, these findings will contribute to building a conception of bio-upcycling plastic wastes by connecting the biodegradation of plastic wastes to the biosynthesis of valuable chemicals in microorganisms. Last, but not least, we have discussed the challenges toward microbial degradation and valorization of plastic wastes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiakang Ru
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Huo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
276
|
Tournier V, Topham CM, Gilles A, David B, Folgoas C, Moya-Leclair E, Kamionka E, Desrousseaux ML, Texier H, Gavalda S, Cot M, Guémard E, Dalibey M, Nomme J, Cioci G, Barbe S, Chateau M, André I, Duquesne S, Marty A. An engineered PET depolymerase to break down and recycle plastic bottles. Nature 2020; 580:216-219. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
277
|
Evaluation of biological degradation of polyurethanes. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 39:107457. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
278
|
Chen CC, Dai L, Ma L, Guo RT. Enzymatic degradation of plant biomass and synthetic polymers. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:114-126. [PMID: 37128024 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Plant biomass is an abundant renewable resource on Earth. Microorganisms harvest energy from plant material by means of complex enzymatic systems that efficiently degrade natural polymers. Intriguingly, microorganisms have evolved to exploit these ancient mechanisms to also decompose synthetic plastic polymers. In this Review, we summarize the mechanisms by which they decompose non-starch plant biomass and the six major types of synthetic plastics. We focus on the structural features of the enzymes that contribute to substrate recognition and then describe the catalytic mechanisms of polymer metabolism. An understanding of these natural biocatalysts is valuable if we are to exploit their potential for the degradation of synthetic polymers.
Collapse
|
279
|
Zhang J, Gao D, Li Q, Zhao Y, Li L, Lin H, Bi Q, Zhao Y. Biodegradation of polyethylene microplastic particles by the fungus Aspergillus flavus from the guts of wax moth Galleria mellonella. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 704:135931. [PMID: 31830656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) products are widely used in daily life, agriculture, and industry because of their convenience and economic value. However, PE is one of the polymer materials remarkably resistant to degradation. Current methods of plastic waste disposal pose a threat to the environment and produce microplastic particles (MPP), which becomes a global environmental concern because of its accumulation. In this study, a PE-degrading fungus Aspergillus flavus named PEDX3, was isolated from the gut contents of wax moth Galleria mellonella. The results indicated that high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPP was degraded into the MPP with a lower molecular weight by strain PEDX3 after 28 days incubation. In addition, Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed the appearance of carbonyl groups and ether groups of MPP, which also validated the degradation of PE. Furthermore, the potential degradation enzymes were investigated by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, two laccase-like multicopper oxidases (LMCOs) genes, AFLA_006190 and AFLA_053930, displayed up-regulated expression during the degradation process, which may be the candidate PE-degrading enzymes. These results have demonstrated that the A. flavus strain PEDX3 has an ability to degrade microplastic particles and the two PE-degrading enzymes provide a promising application for the PE MPP remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Zhang
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Danling Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Quanhao Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yixuan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Li Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hanfeng Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qirui Bi
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Yucheng Zhao
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
280
|
Bollinger A, Thies S, Knieps-Grünhagen E, Gertzen C, Kobus S, Höppner A, Ferrer M, Gohlke H, Smits SHJ, Jaeger KE. A Novel Polyester Hydrolase From the Marine Bacterium Pseudomonas aestusnigri - Structural and Functional Insights. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:114. [PMID: 32117139 PMCID: PMC7031157 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradation of synthetic polymers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is of great importance, since environmental pollution with PET and other plastics has become a severe global problem. Here, we report on the polyester degrading ability of a novel carboxylic ester hydrolase identified in the genome of the marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Pseudomonas aestusnigri VGXO14T. The enzyme, designated PE-H, belongs to the type IIa family of PET hydrolytic enzymes as indicated by amino acid sequence homology. It was produced in Escherichia coli, purified and its crystal structure was solved at 1.09 Å resolution representing the first structure of a type IIa PET hydrolytic enzyme. The structure shows a typical α/β-hydrolase fold and high structural homology to known polyester hydrolases. PET hydrolysis was detected at 30°C with amorphous PET film (PETa), but not with PET film from a commercial PET bottle (PETb). A rational mutagenesis study to improve the PET degrading potential of PE-H yielded variant PE-H (Y250S) which showed improved activity, ultimately also allowing the hydrolysis of PETb. The crystal structure of this variant solved at 1.35 Å resolution allowed to rationalize the improvement of enzymatic activity. A PET oligomer binding model was proposed by molecular docking computations. Our results indicate a significant potential of the marine bacterium P. aestusnigri for PET degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bollinger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stephan Thies
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
| | - Esther Knieps-Grünhagen
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christoph Gertzen
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kobus
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Höppner
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manuel Ferrer
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), John von Neumann Institute for Computing and Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sander H J Smits
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
281
|
Ranking environmental degradation trends of plastic marine debris based on physical properties and molecular structure. Nat Commun 2020; 11:727. [PMID: 32024839 PMCID: PMC7002677 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14538-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As plastic marine debris continues to accumulate in the oceans, many important questions surround this global dilemma. In particular, how many descriptors would be necessary to model the degradation behavior of ocean plastics or understand if degradation is possible? Here, we report a data-driven approach to elucidate degradation trends of plastic debris by linking abiotic and biotic degradation behavior in seawater with physical properties and molecular structures. The results reveal a hierarchy of predictors to quantify surface erosion as well as combinations of features, like glass transition temperature and hydrophobicity, to classify ocean plastics into fast, medium, and slow degradation categories. Furthermore, to account for weathering and environmental factors, two equations model the influence of seawater temperature and mechanical forces. Accumulation of micro and nano-plastic in the oceans has emerged as a global challenge. Here, the authors predict a hierarchy of features that regulate their degradation and surface erosion by a thorough analysis of polymer structure, composition, physical properties and degradation data.
Collapse
|
282
|
Boll M, Geiger R, Junghare M, Schink B. Microbial degradation of phthalates: biochemistry and environmental implications. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 12:3-15. [PMID: 31364812 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The environmentally relevant xenobiotic esters of phthalic acid (PA), isophthalic acid (IPA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) are produced on a million ton scale annually and are predominantly used as plastic polymers or plasticizers. Degradation by microorganisms is considered as the most effective means of their elimination from the environment and proceeds via hydrolysis to the corresponding PA isomers and alcohols under oxic and anoxic conditions. Further degradation of PA, IPA and TPA differs fundamentally between anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. The latter introduce hydroxyl functionalities by dioxygenases to facilitate subsequent decarboxylation by either aromatizing dehydrogenases or cofactor-free decarboxylases. In contrast, anaerobic bacteria activate the PA isomers to the respective thioesters using CoA ligases or CoA transferases followed by decarboxylation to the central intermediate benzoyl-CoA. Decarboxylases acting on the three PA CoA thioesters belong to the UbiD enzyme family that harbour a prenylated flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor to achieve the mechanistically challenging decarboxylation. Capture of the extremely instable PA-CoA intermediate is accomplished by a massive overproduction of phthaloyl-CoA decarboxylase and a balanced production of PA-CoA forming/decarboxylating enzymes. The strategy of anaerobic phthalate degradation probably represents a snapshot of an ongoing evolution of a xenobiotic degradation pathway via a short-lived reaction intermediate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Boll
- Faculty of Biology, Microbiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robin Geiger
- Faculty of Biology, Microbiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Madan Junghare
- Department of Biology and Microbial Ecology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schink
- Department of Biology and Microbial Ecology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
283
|
Biochemical properties and biotechnological applications of microbial enzymes involved in the degradation of polyester-type plastics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140315. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2019.140315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
284
|
Brandon AM, El Abbadi SH, Ibekwe UA, Cho YM, Wu WM, Criddle CS. Fate of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), A Common Flame Retardant, In Polystyrene-Degrading Mealworms: Elevated HBCD Levels in Egested Polymer but No Bioaccumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:364-371. [PMID: 31804807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
As awareness of the ubiquity and magnitude of plastic pollution has increased, so has interest in the long term fate of plastics. To date, however, the fate of potentially toxic plastic additives has received comparatively little attention. In this study, we investigated the fate of the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in polystyrene (PS)-degrading mealworms and in mealworm-fed shrimp. Most of the commercial HBCD consumed by the mealworms was egested in frass within 24 h (1-log removal) with nearly a 3-log removal after 48 h. In mealworms fed PS containing high HBCD levels, only 0.27 ± 0.10%, of the ingested HBCD remained in the mealworm body tissue. This value did not increase over the course of the experiment, indicating little or no bioaccumulation. Additionally, no evidence of higher trophic level bioaccumulation or toxicity was observed when L. vannamei (Pacific whiteleg shrimp) were fed mealworm biomass grown with PS containing HBCD. Differences in shrimp survival were attributable to the fraction of mealworm biomass incorporated into the diet, not HBCD. We conclude that the environmental effects of PS ingestion need further evaluation as the generation of smaller, more contaminated particles is possible, and may contribute to toxicity at nanoscale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Malawi Brandon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Sahar H El Abbadi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Uwakmfon A Ibekwe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yeo-Myoung Cho
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Craig S Criddle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
285
|
Molitor R, Bollinger A, Kubicki S, Loeschcke A, Jaeger K, Thies S. Agar plate-based screening methods for the identification of polyester hydrolysis by Pseudomonas species. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:274-284. [PMID: 31016871 PMCID: PMC6922526 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrolases acting on polyesters like cutin, polycaprolactone or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are of interest for several biotechnological applications like waste treatment, biocatalysis and sustainable polymer modifications. Recent studies suggest that a large variety of such enzymes are still to be identified and explored in a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. For activity-based screening, methods have been established using agar plates which contain nanoparticles of polycaprolactone or PET prepared by solvent precipitation and evaporation. In this protocol article, we describe a straightforward agar plate-based method using emulsifiable artificial polyesters as substrates, namely Impranil® DLN and liquid polycaprolactone diol (PLD). Thereby, the currently quite narrow set of screening substrates is expanded. We also suggest optional pre-screening with short-chain and middle-chain-length triglycerides as substrates to identify enzymes with lipolytic activity to be further tested for polyesterase activity. We applied these assays to experimentally demonstrate polyesterase activity in bacteria from the P. pertucinogena lineage originating from contaminated soils and diverse marine habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Molitor
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
| | - Alexander Bollinger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
| | - Sonja Kubicki
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
| | - Karl‐Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
- Institute of Bio‐ and Geosciences IBG‐1: BiotechnologyForschungszentrum Jülich GmbHD‐52425JülichGermany
| | - Stephan Thies
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfForschungszentrum JülichD‐52425JülichGermany
| |
Collapse
|
286
|
Blank LM, Narancic T, Mampel J, Tiso T, O'Connor K. Biotechnological upcycling of plastic waste and other non-conventional feedstocks in a circular economy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 62:212-219. [PMID: 31881445 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The envisaged circular economy requires absolute carbon efficiency and in the long run abstinence from fossil feedstocks, and integration of industrial production with end-of-life waste management. Non-conventional feedstocks arising from industrial production and societal consumption such as CO2 and plastic waste may soon enable manufacture of multiple products from simple bulk chemicals to pharmaceuticals using biotechnology. The change to these feedstocks could be faster than expected by many, especially if the true cost, including the carbon footprint of products, is considered. The efficiency of biotechnological processes can be improved through metabolic engineering, which can help fulfill the promises of the Paris agreement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Mathias Blank
- iAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Tanja Narancic
- BEACON SFI Bioeconomy Research Centre and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jörg Mampel
- BRAIN AG, Darmstädter Str. 34-36, 64673 Zwingenberg, Germany
| | - Till Tiso
- iAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kevin O'Connor
- BEACON SFI Bioeconomy Research Centre and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
287
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa K. Tiemann
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
288
|
Larrañaga A, Lizundia E. A review on the thermomechanical properties and biodegradation behaviour of polyesters. Eur Polym J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2019.109296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
289
|
Goh KM, Shahar S, Chan KG, Chong CS, Amran SI, Sani MH, Zakaria II, Kahar UM. Current Status and Potential Applications of Underexplored Prokaryotes. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E468. [PMID: 31635256 PMCID: PMC6843859 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of prokaryotic genera have been published, but methodological bias in the study of prokaryotes is noted. Prokaryotes that are relatively easy to isolate have been well-studied from multiple aspects. Massive quantities of experimental findings and knowledge generated from the well-known prokaryotic strains are inundating scientific publications. However, researchers may neglect or pay little attention to the uncommon prokaryotes and hard-to-cultivate microorganisms. In this review, we provide a systematic update on the discovery of underexplored culturable and unculturable prokaryotes and discuss the insights accumulated from various research efforts. Examining these neglected prokaryotes may elucidate their novelties and functions and pave the way for their industrial applications. In addition, we hope that this review will prompt the scientific community to reconsider these untapped pragmatic resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kian Mau Goh
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Saleha Shahar
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, ZhenJiang 212013, China.
| | - Chun Shiong Chong
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Syazwani Itri Amran
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Helmi Sani
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Iffah Izzati Zakaria
- Malaysia Genome Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Jalan Bangi, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ummirul Mukminin Kahar
- Malaysia Genome Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Jalan Bangi, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
290
|
Grand Research Challenges for Sustainable Industrial Biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1042-1050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
291
|
Danso D, Chow J, Streit WR. Plastics: Environmental and Biotechnological Perspectives on Microbial Degradation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:e01095-19. [PMID: 31324632 PMCID: PMC6752018 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01095-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics are widely used in the global economy, and each year, at least 350 to 400 million tons are being produced. Due to poor recycling and low circular use, millions of tons accumulate annually in terrestrial or marine environments. Today it has become clear that plastic causes adverse effects in all ecosystems and that microplastics are of particular concern to our health. Therefore, recent microbial research has addressed the question of if and to what extent microorganisms can degrade plastics in the environment. This review summarizes current knowledge on microbial plastic degradation. Enzymes available act mainly on the high-molecular-weight polymers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester-based polyurethane (PUR). Unfortunately, the best PUR- and PET-active enzymes and microorganisms known still have moderate turnover rates. While many reports describing microbial communities degrading chemical additives have been published, no enzymes acting on the high-molecular-weight polymers polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, ether-based polyurethane, and polyethylene are known. Together, these polymers comprise more than 80% of annual plastic production. Thus, further research is needed to significantly increase the diversity of enzymes and microorganisms acting on these polymers. This can be achieved by tapping into the global metagenomes of noncultivated microorganisms and dark matter proteins. Only then can novel biocatalysts and organisms be delivered that allow rapid degradation, recycling, or value-added use of the vast majority of most human-made polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Danso
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
292
|
Almeida EL, Carrillo Rincón AF, Jackson SA, Dobson ADW. In silico Screening and Heterologous Expression of a Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolase (PETase)-Like Enzyme (SM14est) With Polycaprolactone (PCL)-Degrading Activity, From the Marine Sponge-Derived Strain Streptomyces sp. SM14. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2187. [PMID: 31632361 PMCID: PMC6779837 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics, such as the polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are widely used for various industrial applications, due to their physicochemical properties which are particularly useful in the packaging industry. However, due to improper plastic waste management and difficulties in recycling, post-consumer plastic waste has become a pressing issue for both the environment and for human health. Hence, novel technologies and methods of processing plastic waste are required to address these issues. Enzymatic-assisted hydrolysis of synthetic polymers has been proposed as a potentially more efficient and environment-friendly alternative to the currently employed methods. Recently, a number of PET hydrolases have been described, and in particular a PETase derived from Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 (IsPETase), which appears to be the most efficient and substrate-specific bacterial PET hydrolase enzyme discovered to date. In order to further investigate this class of PETase-like enzymes, we employed an in silico-based screening approach on the biotechnologically relevant genus Streptomyces, including terrestrial and marine isolates; in a search for potential PETase homologs. From a total of 52 genomes analyzed, we were able to identify three potential PETase-like enzymes, all of which were derived from marine-sponge associated Streptomyces isolates. A candidate PETase-like gene (SM14est) was identified in Streptomyces sp. SM14. Further in silico characterization of the SM14est protein sequence and its predicted three-dimensional structure were performed and compared to the well-characterized IsPETase. Both the serine hydrolase motif Gly-x1-Ser-x2-Gly and the catalytic triad Ser, Asp, His are conserved in both sequences. Molecular docking experiments indicated that the SM14est enzyme possessed the capacity to bind plastics as substrates. Finally, polyesterase activity was confirmed using a polycaprolactone (PCL) plate clearing assay which is a model substrate for the degradation of plastics; following heterologous expression of SM14est in Escherichia coli, with secretion being facilitated by the native Streptomyces signal peptide. These findings provide further insights into this important class of PETase-like enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen A Jackson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alan D W Dobson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
293
|
Morlighem JÉRL, Radis-Baptista G. The Place for Enzymes and Biologically Active Peptides from Marine Organisms for Application in Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:334-355. [PMID: 30255754 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180926121722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of written history, diverse texts have reported the use of enzymatic preparations in food processing and have described the medicinal properties of crude and fractionated venoms to treat various diseases and injuries. With the biochemical characterization of enzymes from distinct sources and bioactive polypeptides from animal venoms, the last sixty years have testified the advent of industrial enzymology and protein therapeutics, which are currently applicable in a wide variety of industrial processes, household products, and pharmaceuticals. Bioprospecting of novel biocatalysts and bioactive peptides is propelled by their unsurpassed properties that are applicable for current and future green industrial processes, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The demand for both novel enzymes with desired characteristics and novel peptides that lead to drug development, has experienced a steady increase in response to the expanding global market for industrial enzymes and peptidebased drugs. Moreover, although largely unexplored, oceans and marine realms, with their unique ecosystems inhabited by a large variety of species, including a considerable number of venomous animals, are recognized as untapped reservoirs of molecules and macromolecules (enzymes and bioactive venom-derived peptides) that can potentially be converted into highly valuable biopharmaceutical products. In this review, we have focused on enzymes and animal venom (poly)peptides that are presently in biotechnological use, and considering the state of prospection of marine resources, on the discovery of useful industrial biocatalysts and drug leads with novel structures exhibiting selectivity and improved performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Étienne R L Morlighem
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
294
|
Senga A, Hantani Y, Bekker GJ, Kamiya N, Kimura Y, Kawai F, Oda M. Metal binding to cutinase-like enzyme from Saccharomonospora viridis AHK190 and its effects on enzyme activity and stability. J Biochem 2019; 166:149-156. [PMID: 30825308 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A cutinase from Saccharomonospora viridis AHK190, Cut190, can hydrolyze polyethylene terephthalate and has a unique feature that the activity and stability are regulated by Ca2+ binding. Our recent structural and functional analyses showed three Ca2+ binding sites and their respective roles. Here, we analysed the binding thermodynamics of Mn2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+ to Cut190 and their effects on the catalytic activity and thermal stability. The binding affinities of Mn2+ and Zn2+ were higher than that of Mg2+ and are all entropy driven with a binding stoichiometry of three, one and one for Zn2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+, respectively. The catalytic activity was measured in the presence of the respective metals, where the activity of 0.25 mM Mn2+ was comparable to that of 2.5 mM Ca2+. Our 3D Reference Interaction Site Model calculations suggested that all the ions exhibited a high occupancy rate for Site 2. Thus, Mn2+ and Mg2+ would most likely bind to Site 2 (contributes to stability) with high affinity, while to Sites 1 and 3 (contributes to activity) with low affinity. We elucidate the metal-dependent structural and functional properties of Cut190 and show the subtle balance on structure stability and flexibility is controlled by specific metal ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akane Senga
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, 1-5 Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, 1-5 Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gert-Jan Bekker
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Narutoshi Kamiya
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Simulation Studies, University of Hyogo, 7-1-28 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuki Kimura
- Center for Fiber and Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fusako Kawai
- Center for Fiber and Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Oda
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, 1-5 Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
295
|
Wei R, Breite D, Song C, Gräsing D, Ploss T, Hille P, Schwerdtfeger R, Matysik J, Schulze A, Zimmermann W. Biocatalytic Degradation Efficiency of Postconsumer Polyethylene Terephthalate Packaging Determined by Their Polymer Microstructures. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1900491. [PMID: 31380212 PMCID: PMC6662049 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most important mass-produced thermoplastic polyester used as a packaging material. Recently, thermophilic polyester hydrolases such as TfCut2 from Thermobifida fusca have emerged as promising biocatalysts for an eco-friendly PET recycling process. In this study, postconsumer PET food packaging containers are treated with TfCut2 and show weight losses of more than 50% after 96 h of incubation at 70 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicates that the high linear degradation rates observed in the first 72 h of incubation is due to the high hydrolysis susceptibility of the mobile amorphous fraction (MAF) of PET. The physical aging process of PET occurring at 70 °C is shown to gradually convert MAF to polymer microstructures with limited accessibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. Analysis of the chain-length distribution of degraded PET by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that MAF is rapidly hydrolyzed via a combinatorial exo- and endo-type degradation mechanism whereas the remaining PET microstructures are slowly degraded only by endo-type chain scission causing no detectable weight loss. Hence, efficient thermostable biocatalysts are required to overcome the competitive physical aging process for the complete degradation of postconsumer PET materials close to the glass transition temperature of PET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Bioprocess TechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 23D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Daniel Breite
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM)Permoserstrasse 15D‐04318LeipzigGermany
| | - Chen Song
- Institute of Analytical ChemistryLeipzig UniversityLinnéstrasse 3D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Daniel Gräsing
- Institute of Analytical ChemistryLeipzig UniversityLinnéstrasse 3D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Tina Ploss
- AB Enzymes GmbHFeldbergstrasse 78D‐64293DarmstadtGermany
| | - Patrick Hille
- Department of Microbiology and Bioprocess TechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 23D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| | | | - Jörg Matysik
- Institute of Analytical ChemistryLeipzig UniversityLinnéstrasse 3D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Agnes Schulze
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM)Permoserstrasse 15D‐04318LeipzigGermany
| | - Wolfgang Zimmermann
- Department of Microbiology and Bioprocess TechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 23D‐04103LeipzigGermany
| |
Collapse
|
296
|
Li W, Jayakody LN, Franden MA, Wehrmann M, Daun T, Hauer B, Blank LM, Beckham GT, Klebensberger J, Wierckx N. Laboratory evolution reveals the metabolic and regulatory basis of ethylene glycol metabolism by
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:3669-3682. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wing‐Jin Li
- Institute of Applied Microbiology‐iAMB, Aachen Biology and Biotechnology‐ABBt RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Lahiru N. Jayakody
- National Bioenergy Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden CO 80401 USA
| | - Mary Ann Franden
- National Bioenergy Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden CO 80401 USA
| | - Matthias Wehrmann
- University of Stuttgart Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Tristan Daun
- Institute of Applied Microbiology‐iAMB, Aachen Biology and Biotechnology‐ABBt RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Bernhard Hauer
- University of Stuttgart Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Lars M. Blank
- Institute of Applied Microbiology‐iAMB, Aachen Biology and Biotechnology‐ABBt RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Gregg T. Beckham
- National Bioenergy Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden CO 80401 USA
| | - Janosch Klebensberger
- University of Stuttgart Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Nick Wierckx
- Institute of Applied Microbiology‐iAMB, Aachen Biology and Biotechnology‐ABBt RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen Germany
- Institute of Bio‐ and Geosciences IBG‐1: Biotechnology Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich Germany
| |
Collapse
|
297
|
|
298
|
Malafatti-Picca L, de Barros Chaves MR, de Castro AM, Valoni É, de Oliveira VM, Marsaioli AJ, de Franceschi de Angelis D, Attili-Angelis D. Hydrocarbon-associated substrates reveal promising fungi for poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) depolymerization. Braz J Microbiol 2019; 50:633-648. [PMID: 31175657 PMCID: PMC6863199 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recalcitrant characteristics and insolubility in water make the disposal of synthetic polymers a great environmental problem to be faced by modern society. Strategies towards the recycling of post-consumer polymers, like poly (ethylene terephthalate, PET) degradation/depolymerization have been studied but still need improvement. To contribute with this purpose, 100 fungal strains from hydrocarbon-associated environments were screened for lipase and esterase activities by plate assays and high-throughput screening (HTS), using short- and long-chain fluorogenic probes. Nine isolates were selected for their outstanding hydrolytic activity, comprising the genera Microsphaeropsis, Mucor, Trichoderma, Westerdykella, and Pycnidiophora. Two strains of Microsphaeropsis arundinis were able to convert 2-3% of PET nanoparticle into terephthalic acid, and when cultured with two kinds of commercial PET bottle fragments, they also promoted weight loss, surface and chemical changes, increased lipase and esterase activities, and led to PET depolymerization with release of terephthalic acid at concentrations above 20.0 ppm and other oligomers over 0.6 ppm. The results corroborate that hydrocarbon-associated areas are important source of microorganisms for application in environmental technologies, and the sources investigated revealed important strains with potential for PET depolymerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lusiane Malafatti-Picca
- Environmental Studies Center, UNESP, São Paulo State University, 24-A Av., 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Machado de Castro
- Biotechnology Department, R&D Center, PETROBRAS, Av. Horácio Macedo, 950, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-915, Brazil
| | - Érika Valoni
- Biotechnology Department, R&D Center, PETROBRAS, Av. Horácio Macedo, 950, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-915, Brazil
| | - Valéria Maia de Oliveira
- Division of Microbial Resources, CPQBA - State University of Campinas, Alexandre Cazellato Str., 999, Paulínia, SP, 13148-218, Brazil
| | - Anita Jocelyne Marsaioli
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, PO Box 6154, Campinas, SP, 13084-971, Brazil
| | - Dejanira de Franceschi de Angelis
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP, São Paulo State University, 24-A Av., 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Derlene Attili-Angelis
- Environmental Studies Center, UNESP, São Paulo State University, 24-A Av., 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
- Division of Microbial Resources, CPQBA - State University of Campinas, Alexandre Cazellato Str., 999, Paulínia, SP, 13148-218, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP, São Paulo State University, 24-A Av., 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
299
|
Can biotechnology turn the tide on plastics? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 57:160-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
300
|
Castro AMD, Carniel A, Stahelin D, Chinelatto Junior LS, Honorato HDA, de Menezes SMC. High-fold improvement of assorted post-consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) packages hydrolysis using Humicola insolens cutinase as a single biocatalyst. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|