New insights into polylactide biodegradation from molecular ecological techniques

Molecular ecological techniques for direct identification of microbes involved in PLA degradation under aerobic composting conditions are described. Gene sequences from genera Paecilomyces, Thermomonospora, and Thermopolyspora were most abundant in the compost samples. Members of these phylogenetic lineages are therefore likely to play an important role in PLA degradation. The use of molecular ecological techniques to design cultivation strategies may also provide a new tool for identification and investigation of biodegradation mechanisms and for future development of efficient biological treatment or recycling processes for PLA and other biodegradable polymers.