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Bioremediation

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.

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Updated: May 9, 2025

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

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Published on: October 31, 2019

Guidelines toward ecologically-informed bioprospecting for microbial plastic degradation.

Feng M Cai¹, Siqi Jiang², Paul Daly³

¹State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.

Biotechnology Advances

|April 30, 2025

Summary

This review explores microbial bioprospecting for plastic-degrading enzymes in diverse habitats. It highlights potential pathogens and emphasizes biosecurity and educational outreach for sustainable plastic waste management.

Keywords:

Apis Biosafety Cuticle Cutin DNA barcoding Enzyme engineering Epicuticular biofilm Parengyodontium album Phyllosphere Plastisphere

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Last Updated: May 9, 2025

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Published on: October 31, 2019

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

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Published on: May 10, 2013

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution

Published on: December 30, 2021

Area of Science:

Environmental Microbiology
Biotechnology
Polymer Science

Background:

Plastic waste poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating sustainable management solutions.
Biological degradation using microbial enzymes offers a promising alternative to conventional methods.
Bioprospecting aims to discover microorganisms with enzymes capable of breaking down plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

To review ecologically-informed bioprospecting strategies for plastic-degrading enzymes.
To identify promising natural and anthropogenic habitats for microbial discovery.
To address biosecurity concerns and highlight the educational value of bioprospecting.

Main Methods:

Literature review of bioprospecting approaches for plastic-degrading enzymes.
Analysis of microbial enzymes like PETases and cutinases from various environments.
Assessment of potential risks associated with opportunistic microorganisms.

Main Results:

Natural habitats (e.g., insect polyesters, plant biofilms, aquatic ecosystems) and anthropogenic sites (e.g., plastisphere) are rich sources of plastic-degrading enzymes.
Potent enzymes like PETases and cutinases have been identified and are used in biotechnology.
Bioprospecting in artificial environments can yield opportunistic pathogens, requiring strict biosecurity measures.

Conclusions:

Bioprospecting in diverse habitats, including understudied natural ones, can uncover novel enzymes and microorganisms for plastic waste treatment.
Interdisciplinary collaboration and stringent biosecurity protocols are crucial for safe and effective bioprospecting.
Educational initiatives can engage future scientists in addressing plastic pollution through microbial solutions.