Revolutionize Recycling by Genetic Engineered Plastic Eating Bacteria: Prospective and Challenges
Ritika Pradhan
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Manaswini Mahalik
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Mamali Gantayat
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Ankita Rout
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Kumudini Bhoi
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Sudeepta Mallick
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Murchhana Grahacharya*
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Manaswini Mahapatra
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
Jyoti Prakash Sahoo*
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Escherichia coli, Ideonella sakaiensis, Plastic-consuming bacteria, Polyethylene terephthalate
Abstract
The emergence of plastic-eating bacteria represents a significant advancement in biotechnology and offers a potential solution to the global plastic waste problem. These bacteria have naturally evolved to consume polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by producing enzymes like PETase. Scientists have been able to modify and improve the bacteria’s enzyme production, turning them into more effective PETase factories by using genetic engineering. This could lead to a more sustainable method of recycling PET plastics, reducing the accumulation in landfills and oceans. Moreover, by breaking down plastic waste, these bacteria could help mitigate the adverse effects on marine ecosystems and human health caused by plastic pollution. However, it is important to note that PETase only decomposes PET plastic and there are other plastic types that remain a challenge. Further research and development are necessary for widespread commercial application of plastic eating bacteria, and to address the full spectrum of plastic waste.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Ali, S.S., Elsamahy, T., Zhu, D., Sun, J., 2023. Biodegradability of polyethylene by efficient bacteria from the guts of plastic-eating waxworms and investigation of its degradation mechanism. Journal of Hazardous Materials 443(Part B), 130287. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130287.
Anonymous, 2023. Plastic-Eating Bacteria: Nature's Recyclers. In: Let’s Talk Science. Available at: https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/plastic-eating-bacteria-natures-recyclers. Accessed on: 25th March, 2024.
Buranyi, S., 2023. ‘We are just getting started’: the plastic-eating bacteria that could change the world. In: The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/28/plastic-eating-bacteria-enzyme-recycling-waste. Accessed on: 25th March, 2024.
Jaganmohan, M., 2024a. Annual production of plastics worldwide from 1950 to 2022 (in million metric tons). In: Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/282732/global-production-of-plastics-since-1950/. Accessed on: 25th March, 2024.
Jaganmohan, M., 2024b. Production forecast of thermoplastics worldwide from 2025 to 2050 (in million metric tons). In: Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/664906/plastics-production-volume-forecast-worldwide/. Accessed on: 25th March, 2024.