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Published on: May 10, 2013
Evidence of polyethylene biodegradation by bacterial strains from the guts of plastic-eating waxworms
Jun Yang1, Yu Yang, Wei-Min Wu
1Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Environment, Beihang University , Beijing 100191, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Polyethylene (PE) has been considered nonbiodegradable for decades. Although the biodegradation of PE by bacterial cultures has been occasionally described, valid evidence of PE biodegradation has remained limited in the literature. We found that waxworms, or Indian mealmoths (the larvae of Plodia interpunctella), were capable of chewing and eating PE films. Two bacterial strains capable of degrading PE were isolated from this worm's gut, Enterobacter asburiae YT1 and Bacillus sp. YP1. Over a 28-day incubation period of the two strains on PE films, viable biofilms formed, and the PE films' hydrophobicity decreased. Obvious damage, including pits and cavities (0.3-0.4 μm in depth), was observed on the surfaces of the PE films using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of carbonyl groups was verified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and microattenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (micro-ATR/FTIR) imaging microscope. Suspension cultures of YT1 and YP1 (10(8) cells/mL) were able to degrade approximately 6.1 ± 0.3% and 10.7 ± 0.2% of the PE films (100 mg), respectively, over a 60-day incubation period. The molecular weights of the residual PE films were lower, and the release of 12 water-soluble daughter products was also detected. The results demonstrated the presence of PE-degrading bacteria in the guts of waxworms and provided promising evidence for the biodegradation of PE in the environment.
Insights
Waxworms can eat polyethylene (PE) films, and two gut bacteria, Enterobacter asburiae YT1 and Bacillus sp. YP1, degrade PE. This discovery offers promising evidence for the biodegradation of plastics in the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used plastic considered nonbiodegradable.
- Limited scientific evidence exists for the biodegradation of PE by microbial cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of waxworms (Plodia interpunctella) and their gut bacteria to degrade polyethylene (PE).
- To identify and characterize PE-degrading bacteria from waxworm guts.
Main Methods:
- Waxworms were fed PE films.
- Bacterial strains (Enterobacter asburiae YT1, Bacillus sp. YP1) were isolated from waxworm guts.
- PE films were incubated with bacterial cultures.
- Surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- Chemical changes were assessed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and micro-ATR/FTIR.
- Degradation rates and product analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Waxworms consumed PE films.
- Two bacterial strains, Enterobacter asburiae YT1 and Bacillus sp. YP1, were identified as PE-degrading.
- Bacterial biofilms formed on PE surfaces, reducing hydrophobicity and causing physical damage (pits, cavities).
- Chemical analysis confirmed the formation of carbonyl groups, indicating oxidation.
- YT1 and YP1 degraded 6.1% and 10.7% of PE films, respectively, over 60 days.
- Reduced PE molecular weight and the release of 12 water-soluble products were detected.
Conclusions:
- Waxworm gut bacteria possess the capability to biodegrade polyethylene (PE).
- This study provides significant evidence for microbial PE degradation, opening avenues for plastic waste management.
- The identified bacterial strains offer potential for biotechnological applications in plastic biodegradation.
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