Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

13:38
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Rapid and simple colorimetric assay for detecting the enzymatic degradation of biodegradable plastic films
Yukiko Shinozaki1, Takashi Watanabe, Toshiaki Nakajima-Kambe
1National Institute for Agro-environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan.
Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering
|September 19, 2012
Abstract:
We developed a rapid and simple method for evaluating the degradation of solid biodegradable plastics (BPs). Dye-containing BP films were used as substrates and the release of dye caused by the degradation of BPs was confirmed by a color change in the enzyme solution after a reaction time of 24 h.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...
Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...

