1
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Mohamed DFMS, Tarafdar A, Lee SY, Oh HB, Kwon JH. Assessment of biodegradation and toxicity of alternative plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate: Impacts on microbial biofilms, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress response. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124217. [PMID: 38797346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Although di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP) is being widely adopted as a non-phthalate plasticizer, existing research primarily focuses on human and rat toxicity. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of their impact on microbial communities. This study assessed the biodegradation and toxicity of DOTP on microbes, focusing on its impact on biofilms and microbial metabolism using Rhodococcus ruber as a representative bacterial strain. DOTP is commonly found in mass fractions between 0.6 and 20% v/v in various soft plastic products. This study used polyvinyl chloride films (PVC) with varying DOTP concentrations (range 1-10% v/v) as a surface for analysis of biofilm growth. Cell viability and bacterial stress responses were tested using LIVE/DEAD™ BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit and by the detection of reactive oxygen species using CellROX™ Green Reagent, respectively. An increase in the volume of dead cells (in the plastisphere biofilm) was observed with increasing DOTP concentrations in experiments using PVC films, indicating the potential negative impact of DOTP on microbial communities. Even at a relatively low concentration of DOTP (1%), signs of stress in the microbes were noticed, while concentrations above 5% compromised their ability to survive. This research provides a new understanding of the environmental impacts of alternative plasticizers, prompting the need for additional research into their wider effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Fahad M S Mohamed
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Abhrajyoti Tarafdar
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07ADY7, Ireland
| | - So Yeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Bin Oh
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Vaksmaa A, Vielfaure H, Polerecky L, Kienhuis MVM, van der Meer MTJ, Pflüger T, Egger M, Niemann H. Biodegradation of polyethylene by the marine fungus Parengyodontium album. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:172819. [PMID: 38679106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the marine realm is a severe environmental problem. Nevertheless, plastic may also serve as a potential carbon and energy source for microbes, yet the contribution of marine microbes, especially marine fungi to plastic degradation is not well constrained. We isolated the fungus Parengyodontium album from floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and measured fungal-mediated mineralization rates (conversion to CO2) of polyethylene (PE) by applying stable isotope probing assays with 13C-PE over 9 days of incubation. When the PE was pretreated with UV light, the biodegradation rate of the initially added PE was 0.044 %/day. Furthermore, we traced the incorporation of PE-derived 13C carbon into P. album biomass using nanoSIMS and fatty acid analysis. Despite the high mineralization rate of the UV-treated 13C-PE, incorporation of PE-derived 13C into fungal cells was minor, and 13C incorporation was not detectable for the non-treated PE. Together, our results reveal the potential of P. album to degrade PE in the marine environment and to mineralize it to CO2. However, the initial photodegradation of PE is crucial for P. album to metabolize the PE-derived carbon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vaksmaa
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, the Netherlands.
| | - H Vielfaure
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1284, Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Paris, France
| | - L Polerecky
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - M V M Kienhuis
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - M T J van der Meer
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, the Netherlands
| | - T Pflüger
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Egger
- The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Egger Research and Consulting, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - H Niemann
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, the Netherlands; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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3
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Young R, Ahmed KA, Court L, Castro-Vargas C, Marcora A, Boctor J, Paull C, Wijffels G, Rane R, Edwards O, Walsh T, Pandey G. Improved reference quality genome sequence of the plastic-degrading greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae070. [PMID: 38564250 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Galleria mellonella is a pest of honeybees in many countries because its larvae feed on beeswax. However, G. mellonella larvae can also eat various plastics, including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, and therefore, the species is garnering increasing interest as a tool for plastic biodegradation research. This paper presents an improved genome (99.3% completed lepidoptera_odb10 BUSCO; genome mode) for G. mellonella. This 472 Mb genome is in 221 contigs with an N50 of 6.4 Mb and contains 13,604 protein-coding genes. Genes that code for known and putative polyethylene-degrading enzymes and their similarity to proteins found in other Lepidoptera are highlighted. An analysis of secretory proteins more likely to be involved in the plastic catabolic process has also been carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leon Court
- CSIRO Environment, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | | | - Anna Marcora
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Joseph Boctor
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Cate Paull
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Gene Wijffels
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Rahul Rane
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | | | - Tom Walsh
- CSIRO Environment, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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4
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Obrador‐Viel T, Zadjelovic V, Nogales B, Bosch R, Christie‐Oleza JA. Assessing microbial plastic degradation requires robust methods. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14457. [PMID: 38568802 PMCID: PMC10990042 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are versatile materials that have the potential to propel humanity towards circularity and ultimate societal sustainability. However, the escalating concern surrounding plastic pollution has garnered significant attention, leading to widespread negative perceptions of these materials. Here, we question the role microbes may play in plastic pollution bioremediation by (i) defining polymer biodegradability (i.e., recalcitrant, hydrolysable and biodegradable polymers) and (ii) reviewing best practices for evaluating microbial biodegradation of plastics. We establish recommendations to facilitate the implementation of rigorous methodologies in future studies on plastic biodegradation, aiming to push this field towards the use of isotopic labelling to confirm plastic biodegradation and further determine the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinko Zadjelovic
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos BiológicosUniversidad de AntofagastaAntofagastaChile
- Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB)SantiagoChile
| | - Balbina Nogales
- Department of BiologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalmaSpain
| | - Rafael Bosch
- Department of BiologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalmaSpain
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5
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Yang H, Cui L, Qian H. Mining strategies for isolating plastic-degrading microorganisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123572. [PMID: 38369095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste is a growing global pollutant. Plastic degradation by microorganisms has captured attention as an earth-friendly tactic. Although the mechanisms of plastic degradation by bacteria, fungi, and algae have been explored over the past decade, a large knowledge gap still exists regarding the identification, sorting, and cultivation of efficient plastic degraders, primarily because of their uncultivability. Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatics have enabled the identification of microbial degraders and related enzymes and genes involved in plastic biodegradation. In this review, we provide an outline of the situation of plastic degradation and summarize the methods for effective microbial identification using multidisciplinary techniques such as multiomics, meta-analysis, and spectroscopy. This review introduces new strategies for controlling plastic pollution in an environmentally friendly manner. Using this information, highly efficient and colonizing plastic degraders can be mined via targeted sorting and cultivation. In addition, based on the recognized rules and plastic degraders, we can perform an in-depth analysis of the associated degradation mechanism, metabolic features, and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Huihui Yang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Haifeng Qian
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China.
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6
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Rohrbach S, Gkoutselis G, Mauel A, Telli N, Senker J, Ho A, Rambold G, Horn MA. Setting new standards: Multiphasic analysis of microplastic mineralization by fungi. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141025. [PMID: 38142885 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials provide numerous benefits. However, properties such as durability and resistance to degradation that make plastic attractive for variable applications likewise foster accumulation in the environment. Fragmentation of plastics leads to the formation of potentially hazardous microplastic, of which a considerable amount derives from polystyrene. Here, we investigated the biodegradation of polystyrene by the tropical sooty mold fungus Capnodium coffeae in different experimental setups. Growth of C. coffeae was stimulated significantly when cultured in presence of plastic polymers rather than in its absence. Stable isotope tracing using 13C-enriched polystyrene particles combined with cavity ring-down spectroscopy showed that the fungus mineralized polystyrene traces. However, phospholipid fatty acid stable isotope probing indicated only marginal assimilation of polystyrene-13C by C. coffeae in liquid cultures. NMR spectroscopic analysis of residual styrene contents prior to and after incubation revealed negligible changes in concentration. Thus, this study suggests a plastiphilic life style of C. coffeae despite minor usage of plastic as a carbon source and the general capability of sooty mold fungi to stimulate polystyrene mineralization, and proposes new standards to identify and unambiguously demonstrate plastic degrading capabilities of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Rohrbach
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Anika Mauel
- Inorganic Chemistry III and Northern Bavarian NMR Centre University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nihal Telli
- Department of Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jürgen Senker
- Inorganic Chemistry III and Northern Bavarian NMR Centre University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Adrian Ho
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rambold
- Department of Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Marcus A Horn
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
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7
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Liu Y, Li J, Parakhonskiy BV, Hoogenboom R, Skirtach A, De Neve S. Labelling of micro- and nanoplastics for environmental studies: state-of-the-art and future challenges. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132785. [PMID: 37856963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Studying microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) in environmental matrices is extremely challenging, and recent developments in labelling techniques may hold much promise to further our knowledge in this field. Here, we reviewed MNP labelling techniques and applications to provide the first systematic and in-depth insight into MNP labelling. We classified all labelling techniques for MNP into four main types (fluorescent, metal, stable isotope and radioisotope) and discussed per type the synthesis methods, detection methods, influencing factors, and the current and future applications and challenges. Direct labelling of environmental MNP with fluorescent dyes and metals enables simple visualisation and selective detection of MNP to improve detection efficiency. However, it is still an open question how to avoid co-labelling of non-plastic (i.e. non-target, matrix) materials. Labelling of MNP that are intentionally added in the environment may allow semi-automatic detection of MNP particles with high accuracy and sensitivity during studies on e.g. transport and degradation. The detection limit of labelled MNP largely depends on particle size and the type of matrix. Fluorescent labelling allows efficient detection of microplastics, whereas metal labelling is preferred for nanoplastics research due to a potentially higher sensitivity. A major challenge for fluorescent and metal labelling is to develop techniques that do not alter the inherent MNP properties or only do so minimally, in particular the surface properties. Stable and radioactive isotope labelling (13C and 14C, but also 15N, 2H) of the polymer itself allows to preserve inherent MNP properties, but have been largely ignored. Overall, labelling of MNP holds great promise for advancing our fundamental understanding of the behaviour of plastics, notably the smallest fractions, in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Andre Skirtach
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Neve
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Jadhav HS, Fulke AB, Dasari LN, Dalai A, Haridevi CK. Plastic bio-mitigation by Pseudomonas mendocina ABF786 and simultaneous conversion of its CO 2 byproduct to microalgal biodiesel. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 391:129952. [PMID: 37925087 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Bio-mitigation of plastics by microorganisms generates carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be utilized for algal biomass generation. Pseudomonas mendocina ABF786, reportedly the most efficient plastic-degrading bacteria, was screened using the modified most probable number technique. This study highlights the use of an integrative prototype for the production of microalgal biomass (Chlorella vulgaris) in combination with bio-mitigation of plastics, which serves a dual purpose: (i) increased plastic-degradation capability by microorganisms (53%-85% increase in plastic weight loss) due to removal of CO2 feedback inhibition and (ii) increased algal biomass generation (200%-237%) due to supply of extra CO2 from plastic degradation to the algal cultivation flask. Whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation confirmed that all the genes involved in the mineralization of plastic to CO2 are present within the genome of P. mendocina ABF786. Using two or more microbial cultures for remediation may increase the process efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshal S Jadhav
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Abhay B Fulke
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Laxman N Dasari
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Navi Mumbai 410206, India
| | - Abhishek Dalai
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India
| | - C K Haridevi
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India
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9
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Acosta DJ, Alper HS. Advances in enzymatic and organismal technologies for the recycling and upcycling of petroleum-derived plastic waste. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 84:103021. [PMID: 37980777 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Biological catalysts are emerging with the capability to depolymerize a wide variety of plastics. Improving and discovering these catalysts has leveraged a range of tools, including microbial ecology studies, high-throughput selections, and computationally guided mutational studies. In this review, we discuss the prospects for biological solutions to plastic recycling and upcycling with a focus on major advances in polyethylene terephthalate depolymerization, expanding the range of polymers with known biological catalysts, and the utilization of derived products. We highlight several recent improvements in enzymes and reaction properties, the discovery of a wide variety of novel plastic-depolymerizing biocatalysts, and how depolymerization products can be utilized in recycling and upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Acosta
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hal S Alper
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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10
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Jin J, Arciszewski J, Auclair K, Jia Z. Enzymatic polyethylene biorecycling: Confronting challenges and shaping the future. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132449. [PMID: 37690195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used plastic known for its resistance to biodegradation, posing a significant environmental challenge. Recent advances have shed light on microorganisms and insects capable of breaking down PE and identified potential PE-degrading enzymes (PEases), hinting at the possibility of PE biorecycling. Research on enzymatic PE degradation is still in its early stages, especially compared to the progress made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While PET hydrolases have been extensively studied and engineered for improved performance, even the products of PEases remain mostly undefined. This Perspective analyzes the current state of enzymatic PE degradation research, highlighting obstacles in the search for bona fide PEases and suggesting areas for future exploration. A critical challenge impeding progress in this field stems from the inert nature of the C-C and C-H bonds of PE. Furthermore, breaking down PE into small molecules using only one monofunctional enzyme is theoretically impossible. Overcoming these obstacles requires identifying enzymatic pathways, which can be facilitated using emerging technologies like omics, structure-based design, and computer-assisted engineering of enzymes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying PE enzymatic biodegradation is crucial for research progress and for identifying potential solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jin
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON KL7 3N6, Canada
| | - Jane Arciszewski
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Karine Auclair
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Zongchao Jia
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON KL7 3N6, Canada.
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11
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Tao X, Ouyang H, Zhou A, Wang D, Matlock H, Morgan JS, Ren AT, Mu D, Pan C, Zhu X, Han A, Zhou J. Polyethylene Degradation by a Rhodococcous Strain Isolated from Naturally Weathered Plastic Waste Enrichment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13901-13911. [PMID: 37682848 PMCID: PMC10515485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced synthetic polymer and the most abundant plastic waste worldwide due to its recalcitrance to biodegradation and low recycle rate. Microbial degradation of PE has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we isolated a Rhodococcus strain A34 from 609 day enriched cultures derived from naturally weathered plastic waste and identified the potential key PE degradation enzymes. After 30 days incubation with A34, 1% weight loss was achieved. Decreased PE molecular weight, appearance of C-O and C═O on PE, palmitic acid in the culture supernatant, and pits on the PE surface were observed. Proteomics analysis identified multiple key PE oxidation and depolymerization enzymes including one multicopper oxidase, one lipase, six esterase, and a few lipid transporters. Network analysis of proteomics data demonstrated the close relationships between PE degradation and metabolisms of phenylacetate, amino acids, secondary metabolites, and tricarboxylic acid cycles. The metabolic roadmap generated here provides critical insights for optimization of plastic degradation condition and assembly of artificial microbial communities for efficient plastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Tao
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Huanrong Ouyang
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Aifen Zhou
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Department
of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University
of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Hagan Matlock
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Josiah S. Morgan
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Abigail T. Ren
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Dashuai Mu
- Marine
College, Shandong University, Weihai 264105, China
| | - Chongle Pan
- Department
of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University
of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Xuejun Zhu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Arum Han
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jizhong Zhou
- Institute
for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
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12
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Mattelin V, Verfaille L, Kundu K, De Wildeman S, Boon N. A New Colorimetric Test for Accurate Determination of Plastic Biodegradation. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15102311. [PMID: 37242886 DOI: 10.3390/polym15102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As plastic waste is accumulating in both controlled waste management settings and natural settings, much research is devoted to search for solutions, also in the field of biodegradation. However, determining the biodegradability of plastics in natural environments remains a big challenge due to the often very low biodegradation rates. Many standardised test methods for biodegradation in natural environments exist. These are often based on mineralisation rates in controlled conditions and are thus indirect measurements of biodegradation. It is of interest for both researchers and companies to have tests that are more rapid, easier, and more reliable to screen different ecosystems and/or niches for their plastic biodegradation potential. In this study, the goal is to validate a colorimetric test, based on carbon nanodots, to screen biodegradation of different types of plastics in natural environments. After introducing carbon nanodots into the matrix of the target plastic, a fluorescent signal is released upon plastic biodegradation. The in-house-made carbon nanodots were first confirmed regarding their biocompatibility and chemical and photostability. Subsequently, the effectivity of the developed method was evaluated positively by an enzymatic degradation test with polycaprolactone with Candida antarctica lipase B. Finally, validation experiments were performed with enriched microorganisms and real environmental samples (freshwater and seawater), of which the results were compared with parallel, frequently used biodegradation measures such as O2 and CO2, dissolved organic carbon, growth and pH, to assess the reliability of the test. Our results indicate that this colorimetric test is a good alternative to other methods, but a combination of different methods gives the most information. In conclusion, this colorimetric test is a good fit to screen, in high throughput, the depolymerisation of plastics in natural environments and under different conditions in the lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Mattelin
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennert Verfaille
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kankana Kundu
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Delre A, Goudriaan M, Morales VH, Vaksmaa A, Ndhlovu RT, Baas M, Keijzer E, de Groot T, Zeghal E, Egger M, Röckmann T, Niemann H. Plastic photodegradation under simulated marine conditions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114544. [PMID: 36640499 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ocean plastic pollution is a problem of increasing magnitude; yet, the amount of plastic at the sea surface is much lower than expected. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can induce photodegradation, but its importance in determining the longevity of floating plastic remains unconstrained. Here, we measured photodegradation rates of different plastic types slightly larger than microplastics (virgin polymers and floating plastic debris) under simulated marine conditions. UV irradiation caused all plastic types to leach dissolved organic carbon, and to a lesser degree carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and other hydrocarbon gases. The release of photodegradation products translates to degradation rates of 1.7-2.3 % yr-1 of the tested plastic particles normalized to conditions as found in the subtropical surface ocean. Modelling the accumulation of floating plastic debris, our results show that solar UV radiation could already have degraded 7 to 22 % of all floating plastic that has ever been released to the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Delre
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Goudriaan
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Victor Hernando Morales
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands; University of Vigo, Biological Oceanography Group, Vigo (Pontevedra), Spain
| | - Annika Vaksmaa
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Rachel Tintswalo Ndhlovu
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Marianne Baas
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Keijzer
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Tim de Groot
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Emna Zeghal
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
| | - Matthias Egger
- The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Egger Research and Consulting, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Röckmann
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Helge Niemann
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Tromsø, CAGE - Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Tromsø, Norway.
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