Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by plasma-activated Bacillus strain

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Environmental Science
• Biotechnology and Materials Science

Background:

• Microbial plastic biodegradation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional waste management.
• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a persistent environmental pollutant due to its recalcitrant nature.
• Existing microbial degradation methods often face limitations in efficiency and mechanistic understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify bacteria capable of degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
• To investigate the synergistic effect of low-temperature plasma treatment on bacterial LDPE degradation.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of enhanced biodegradation.

Main Methods:

• Screening of plastic-degrading bacteria using cultivation and 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Whole-genome sequencing for bacterial identification (Bacillus safensis BS-10L).
• Application of low-temperature plasma to bacteria and subsequent analysis of LDPE film degradation via mass loss, surface morphology, FTIR, and XPS.

Main Results:

• Bacillus safensis BS-10L was identified as an effective LDPE colonizer and degrader.
• Low-temperature plasma treatment significantly increased bacterial population, viability, and LDPE degradation efficiency.
• Plasma-activated bacteria induced surface changes (cracks, holes) and increased carbonyl group formation in LDPE, indicating enhanced oxidation.

Conclusions:

• Plasma-activated Bacillus safensis BS-10L demonstrates accelerated LDPE decomposition compared to the native strain.
• Low-temperature plasma technology is a promising approach to enhance microbial plastic degradation capabilities.
• The study highlights a novel strategy for improving the environmental remediation of plastic waste.