Discovery and adaptation of microbes that degrade oxidized low-density polyethylene films.

ABSTRACT: There is a growing interest in developing a methodology for effectively cleaving carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds in polymer backbones through bioconversion processes that utilize microorganisms and their enzymes. This upsurge of interest is driven by the goal of achieving a circular economy. Polyolefin post-consumer plastics are a substantial source of carbon, but the recycling potential is severely limited. Upcycling routes are needed for converting polyolefin post-consumer plastics into value-added products while concurrently mitigating adverse environmental effects. These materials contain carbon-based chemicals that can, in principle, serve as the feedstock for microbial metabolism. Some microbes have been reported to grow on polyolefin plastics, but the rate of biodegradation is insufficien

SUBMITTER: Jha AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11664187 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature