Issue 14, 2024

Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics

Abstract

This review examines the escalating issue of plastic pollution, specifically highlighting the detrimental effects on the environment and human health caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. The extensive use of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) has raised significant environmental concerns because of their long-lasting and non-degradable characteristics. This review delves into the role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in breaking down these polymers, showcasing recent advancements in the field. The intricacies of enzymatic degradation are thoroughly examined, including the effectiveness of enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, as well as the contribution of microbial pathways in breaking down resilient polymers into more benign substances. The paper also discusses the impact of chemical composition on plastic degradation kinetics and emphasizes the need for an approach to managing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. The review highlights the significance of comprehending the physical characteristics and long-term impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in different ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out the environmental and health consequences of these contaminants, such as their ability to cause cancer and interfere with the endocrine system. The paper emphasizes the need for advanced analytical methods and effective strategies for enzymatic degradation, as well as continued research and development in this area. This review highlights the crucial role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in addressing plastic pollution and proposes methods to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics

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Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
02 Feb 2024
Accepted
19 Mar 2024
First published
25 Mar 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

RSC Adv., 2024,14, 9943-9966

Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics

J. Choi, H. Kim, Y. Ahn, M. Kim, S. Yu, N. Kim, S. Y. Lim, J. Park, S. Ha, K. S. Lim and H. Kim, RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 9943 DOI: 10.1039/D4RA00844H

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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