Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Biodegradation of Low Density Polythene (LDPE) by Pseudomonas Species
Bhone Myint Kyaw1, Ravi Champakalakshmi, Meena Kishore Sakharkar
1Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore ; Advanced Design and Modelling Lab, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Low density polythene (LDPE) is the most widely used packaging material primarily because of its excellent mechanical properties, barrier properties against water, light weight, low cost and high energy effectiveness. However, due to its ubiquitous nature, and resistance to biodegradability, the disposal strategies are crucial and need attention. Recently, microorganisms have become the focus of interest for environmental friendly disposal of plastic and polymer-based waste. This manuscript aims to investigate the extent of biodegradability of LDPE by four different strains of Pseudomonas bacteria-Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (ATCC 15729), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15692), Pseudomonas putida (KT2440 ATCC 47054) and Pseudomonas syringae (DC3000 ATCC 10862). Degradation of LDPE was determined by weight loss of the sample, morphological changes, mechanical and spectroscopic variations. The eluted compounds after degradation were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Our results show that Pseudomonas spp. can degrade LDPE films.
Related Concept Videos
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

