biostudies-literatureUnknown14Srisakvarangkool W<h4>Background</h4>Plastics are very widely used worldwide, and most of these are not degradable, resulting in global environmental concerns. Plastic usage is growing faster than it did in the past, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Global plastic waste associated solely with this pandemic was estimated to be 8.4 ± 1.4 million tons in 2021, exacerbating the existing global burden of plastic, estimated at 9 billion tons produced up to 2017. Some insects can break down plastic polymers, and their intestinal microorganisms play an important role in the process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of several types of plastics by yellow mealworms (<i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae) and identify the intestinal bacteria engaged in the process.<h4>Methods</h4>In thiPeerJe20429https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12790784biostudies-literatureBiodegradation of plastic waste by yellow mealworms (&lt;i&gt;Tenebrio molitor&lt;/i&gt; larvae).PMC12790784Rosyidah ANantapong NChanthasena PGanta PKerdtoob SSrisakvarangkool WfalseBiodegradation of plastic waste by yellow mealworms (&lt;i&gt;Tenebrio molitor&lt;/i&gt; larvae).<h4>Background</h4>Plastics are very widely used worldwide, and most of these are not degradable, resulting in global environmental concerns. Plastic usage is growing faster than it did in the past, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Global plastic waste associated solely with this pandemic was estimated to be 8.4 ± 1.4 million tons in 2021, exacerbating the existing global burden of plastic, estimated at 9 billion tons produced up to 2017. Some insects can break down plastic polymers, and their intestinal microorganisms play an important role in the process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of several types of plastics by yellow mealworms (<i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae) and identify the intestinal bacteria engaged in the process.<h4>Methods</h4>In thi2026-01-01T00:00:00Z20262026-05-29T03:22:55.598Z2026-05-29T03:13:12.97ZS-EPMC127907844152756510.7717/peerj.20429