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Updated: May 25, 2026
13:38
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Genome mining and screening for plastic-degrading potential in marine bacteria
Rafaela Perdigão1,2, Diogo A M Alexandrino3,4, Maria F Carvalho3,5
1CIIMAR/CIMAR LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal. rafaela.mendes@ciimar.up.pt.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|March 3, 2026
Summary
Marine bacteria show potential for plastic degradation. This study screened bacterial strains from fishing nets, identifying eleven with enhanced growth on plastic polymers and eight with esterase/lipase activity, paving the way for novel biodegradation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Environmental science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Marine plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems and wildlife.
- Microbial biodegradation, especially by bacteria, is a promising avenue for plastic remediation.
- A potential link exists between hydrocarbon degradation and plastic degradation capabilities in microbes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen bacterial strains from marine biofilms on fishing nets for plastic-degrading potential.
- To investigate the presence of genes encoding plastic-degrading enzymes in selected bacterial isolates.
- To identify marine bacteria capable of utilizing plastic polymers as a carbon source.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of bacterial strains from biofilms on submerged fishing nets (polyethylene, nylon).
- Assessing bacterial growth on plastic polymers and enzymatic activity (esterase/lipase) using tributyrin-agar assays.
- Screening for genes related to hydrocarbon and plastic degradation (alkB, almA, PETase-like) via PCR and subsequent genome mining.
Main Results:
- Eleven bacterial strains, primarily from the genera Sulfitobacter, Rhodococcus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, showed enhanced growth on plastic net materials.
- Eight of these strains also exhibited significant esterase/lipase activity, indicating potential for polymer breakdown.
- PCR screening and genome mining identified genes encoding enzymes potentially involved in the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate, low-density polyethylene, and nylon.
Conclusions:
- A robust workflow was established for identifying marine bacteria with plastic-degrading capabilities.
- Specific bacterial genera, including Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas, harbor enzymes with potential for synthetic polymer degradation.
- Marine bacteria, particularly those from hydrocarbon-enriched environments and plastic biofilms, represent a valuable resource for developing plastic biodegradation solutions.
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