Isolation of a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, using a novel screening method based on a redox indicator.

ABSTRACT: Plastic, a polymer synthesized from petrochemicals, is used worldwide. However, natural degradation of plastic is difficult, causing environmental pollution, with microplastics posing a serious threat to human health. In this study, we aimed to use a new screening method based on the oxidation-reduction indicator, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, to isolate a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, from insect larvae. Plastic-degrading strains are identified by the color change in the redox indicator from blue to colorless as plastic metabolism occurs. Polyethylene biodegradation by A. guillouiae was verified through weight loss, surface erosion, physiological evidence, and chemical changes on the plastic surface. In addition, we analyzed the characteristics

SUBMITTER: Kim HR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10173618 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature