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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
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The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
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The skeletal structure of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization is always branched. For example, the polymerization of ethylene by radical polymerization results in a low-density grade of polyethylene with a heavily branched skeletal structure. Here, the radical site abstracts hydrogen from the growing chain, and the radical site shifts from the end (a primary carbon center) to anywhere within the growing chain (a secondary carbon center). Consequently, the part of the chain from the...
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A mini-review: current advances in polyethylene biodegradation.

Danae Kala Rodríguez Bardají1, Jéssica Aparecida Silva Moretto1, João Pedro Rueda Furlan1

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|February 16, 2020
PubMed
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Polyethylene (PE) pollution is a global issue. This review explores microbial biodegradation of PE, detailing involved organisms, genes, enzymes, and mechanisms for environmental remediation.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Polyethylene (PE) is the most abundant plastic globally, leading to significant environmental accumulation and ecological damage.
  • Current disposal methods for PE waste have limitations, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.
  • Biodegradation is considered the most environmentally benign approach for managing PE contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in Polyethylene (PE) biodegradation.
  • To identify microorganisms, genes, and enzymes involved in PE degradation.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms and current methods for PE biodegradation in various environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific findings on Polyethylene (PE) biodegradation.
  • Analysis of studies detailing microorganisms, genes, and enzymes implicated in PE degradation.
  • Examination of different environmental conditions and their impact on PE biodegradation efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Identified various microorganisms capable of degrading Polyethylene (PE).
  • Highlighted specific genes and enzymes that play crucial roles in the PE biodegradation pathways.
  • Detailed the mechanisms by which these biological agents break down PE polymers.
  • Summarized current biodegradation strategies and their effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial biodegradation offers a promising and eco-friendly solution for Polyethylene (PE) waste management.
  • Further research into specific microbial consortia, enzymes, and optimized conditions can enhance PE degradation efficiency.
  • Understanding the genetic and enzymatic basis of PE biodegradation is key to developing effective bioremediation technologies.