Project description:The study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial biodegradation as a solution to the global problem of plastic pollution, specifically targeting polyethylene (PE), one of the most common types of plastic. The goals of the study were to isolate a bacterial strain capable of breaking down PE, identify the key enzymes responsible for the degradation process, and understand the metabolic pathways involved.
Project description:Although the biodegradation of biodegradable plastics in soil and compost is well-studied, there is little knowledge on the metabolic mechanisms of synthetic polymers degradation by marine microorganisms. Here, we present a multiomics study to elucidate the biodegradation mechanism of a commercial aromatic-aliphatic copolyester film by a marine microbial enrichment culture. The plastic film and each monomer can be used as sole carbon source. Our analysis showed that the consortium synergistically degrades the polymer, different degradation steps being performed by different members of the community. Analysis of gene expression and translation profiles revealed that the relevant degradation processes in the marine consortium are closely related to poly(ethylene terephthalate) biodegradation from terrestrial microbes. Although there are multiple genes and organisms with the potential to perform a degradation step, only a few of these are active during biodegradation. Our results elucidate the potential of marine microorganisms to mineralize biodegradable plastic polymers and describe the mechanisms of labor division within the community to get maximum energetic yield from a complex synthetic substrate.
Project description:The study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial biodegradation as a solution to the global problem of plastic pollution, specifically targeting polyethylene (PE), one of the most common types of plastic. The goals of the study were to isolate a bacterial strain capable of breaking down PE, identify the key enzymes responsible for the degradation process, and understand the metabolic pathways involved. By investigating these aspects, researchers sought to gain critical insights that could be used to optimize plastic degradation conditions and inform the development of artificial microbial communities for effective bioremediation strategies. This research has significant relevance, as it addresses the pressing need for innovative and sustainable approaches to tackle the ever-growing issue of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
Project description:This project investigates the biodegradative molecular signatures (proteins and metabolites) expressed by Lasiodiplodia iraniensis (K3) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (K5) when exposed to plastic polymers. Specifically, L. iraniensis was exposed to Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene (PE) plastics, while L. theobromae was exposed only to Polyurethane plastic particles. The control treatments for both species involved glucose as a carbon source. The study compares the proteomic and metabolomic profiles of both species to identify potential biomarkers and insights into their biodegradation capabilities. Additionally, a comparison of expression profiles between Polyurethane and Polyethylene plastics was performed for L. iraniensis to assess differential responses to the two distinct plastics.
Project description:Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising biodegradable material used in various fields, such as mulching films and disposable packaging materials. Biological approaches for completely degrading biodegradable polymers can provide environmentally friendly solutions. However, to our knowledge, no studies have performed transcriptome profiling to analyze PLA-degrading genes of PLA-degrading bacteria. Therefore, this study reports for the first time an RNA sequence approach for tracing genes involved in PLA biodegradation in the PLA-degrading bacterium Brevibacillus brevis. In the interpretation results of the differentially expressed genes, the hydrolase genes mhqD and nap and the serine protease gene besA were up-regulated by a fold change of 7.97, 4.89, and 4.09, respectively. This result suggests that hydrolases play a key role in PLA biodegradation by B. brevis. In addition, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that genes implicated in biofilm formation were upregulated. The biodegradation of PLA starts with bacteria attaching to the surface of PLA and forming a biofilm. Therefore, it could be confirmed that the above genes were up-regulated for access to PLA and biodegradation. Our results provide transcriptome-based insights into PLA biodegradation, which pitch a better understanding of microbial biodegradation of plastics.
2025-01-16 | GSE223668 | GEO
Project description:Biodegradation of water-soluble polymers by wastewater microorganisms
Project description:Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with polyethylene (PE) the most widespread and persistent contaminant. Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) has been identified as one of the most suitable insect species for the efficient consumption and degradation of PE; However, the gut microbiota and endogenous factors of G. mellonella contribute to efficient degradation of PE remain unclear. Here our metagenomic analyses revealed that the gut microbial diversity of larvae fed low-density polyethylene (LDPE) remained stable and showed no significant difference from that of the control group, indicating limited community restructuring during LDPE digestion. Proteomic and metabolomic profiling revealed elevated expression of redox-related proteins, accumulation of LDPE oxidative products, and a substantial amount of short-chain fatty acids that could be utilized by G. mellonella via metabolic pathways such as the TCA cycle. Strikingly, the oxidoreductase (luciferin 4-monooxygenase) consistently emerged as the most significantly differentially expressed protein in comparisons of LDPE-fed larvae against both the initial control and the beeswax groups, and it was predicted to exhibit strong binding affinity for long-chain alkenes. A key gut microbe, Brevibacillus parabrevis strain B3, exhibited the highest activity in LDPE degradation. Importantly, in vitro assays demonstrated that the combination of luciferin 4-monooxygenase and Brevibacillus parabrevis strain B3 synergistically enhanced LDPE degradation efficiency-far surpassing enzyme or bacterial treatments alone. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed significant oxidative surface modifications, including hydroxyl and carbonyl group formation, under combined treatment. These results suggest that Gm-luciferin 4-monooxygenase likely acts as the principal driver of LDPE degradation in G. mellonella, with other oxidoreductases and gut bacteria providing auxiliary support. Our findings elucidate the enzymatic and microbial synergy underlying wax worm-mediated LDPE biodegradation and offer promising targets for developing bio-inspired plastic waste remediation technologies.