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Highly efficient low-temperature biodegradation of polyethylene microplastics by using cold-active laccase
Ailin Zhang1, Yanhua Hou2, Yatong Wang2
1School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
Bioresource Technology
|May 19, 2023
Summary
This study developed a novel Escherichia coli surface display platform for producing cold-active laccase, PsLAC, to enhance polyethylene microplastic biodegradation at low temperatures. The engineered bacteria efficiently degraded microplastics, offering a promising solution for cold bioremediation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Polyethylene microplastics pose a significant environmental challenge, particularly in low-temperature conditions where biodegradation is inefficient.
- Developing efficient methods for low-temperature biodegradation of microplastics is crucial for environmental remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel surface display platform for producing cold-active laccase (PsLAC) in Escherichia coli to overcome efficiency limitations in low-temperature polyethylene microplastic biodegradation.
- To evaluate the display efficiency, activity, stability, and degradation capacity of the engineered bacteria for microplastic remediation.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an Escherichia coli surface display platform using InaKN for PsLAC expression.
- Verification of display efficiency and activity load through subcellular extraction and protease accessibility assays.
- Assessment of bacterial growth, membrane integrity, enzyme stability at low temperatures, and reusability.
- Evaluation of polyethylene microplastic degradation rates at 15°C in bioremediation experiments.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high display efficiency of 88.0% for engineered bacteria BL21/pET-InaKN-PsLAC with an activity load of 29.6 U/mg.
- Demonstrated stable growth and intact membrane structure of the engineered bacteria during the display process.
- Confirmed favorable applicability with 50.0% activity remaining after 4 days at 15°C and 39.0% activity recovery after 15 batches.
- Achieved significant polyethylene microplastic degradation rates: 48.0% within 48 hours and 66.0% after 144 hours at 15°C.
Conclusions:
- The InaKN-mediated surface display of cold-active PsLAC in Escherichia coli is an effective strategy for enhancing low-temperature polyethylene microplastic biodegradation.
- This technology offers a promising approach for biomanufacturing and cold remediation of microplastics, addressing key efficiency limitations.
