Non-ionic detergent-based screening method for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-degrading...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Bioplastics offer environmental benefits, increasing demand for microbial degradation solutions.
• Clear zone tests are crucial for identifying bioplastic-degrading microorganisms.
• The impact of detergents on microbial hydrolysis in these tests requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate eight detergents for their efficacy in screening poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-degrading microbial strains.
• To identify the most effective detergent for a reliable and biologically stable clear zone assay.
• To assess the applicability of the optimized method for other bioplastics.

Main Methods:

• Screening of eight different detergents using clear zone tests with PBAT emulsions.
• Evaluation of clear zone formation enhancement by anionic and non-ionic detergents.
• Application of the optimized clear zone test to polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polylactic acid (PLA).

Main Results:

• Anionic detergents (Sarkosyl NL, SDS) and non-ionic polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) enhanced clear zone formation.
• The Tween 20-based clear zone test demonstrated superior effectiveness for PBAT-degrading strain screening.
• The method successfully isolated Bacillus sp. Y4, achieving 52% PBAT degradation in 14 days and proved applicable to PBS, PCL, and PLA.

Conclusions:

• Tween 20 is the most effective detergent for developing a rapid and reliable clear zone assay for bioplastic-degrading microorganisms.
• The optimized Tween 20 assay is broadly applicable to various bioplastics, including PBAT, PBS, PCL, and PLA.
• This screening platform provides a biologically stable and efficient method for isolating potent bioplastic-degrading microbes.