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Systematic optimization and characterization of bacterial depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) plastics.

Apoorva Sherigar^1,2, Ritu Raval¹, Abdul Ajees Abdul Salam³

¹Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.

Scientific Reports

|June 19, 2026

Summary

This study optimized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) biodepolymerization using Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14, achieving 75.6% degradation. This microbial approach offers a sustainable solution for PET waste management and bioremediation.

Keywords:

Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14 Analytical characterization Poly(ethylene terephthalate)Response surface methodology Sustainable plastic bioremediation

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Published on: June 20, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Environmental Science
Biotechnology

Background:

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) pollution is a significant environmental concern.
Biodepolymerization using microorganisms presents a sustainable solution for PET waste.
Developing efficient microbial strains and optimizing degradation conditions are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To optimize the biodepolymerization of PET using the mesophilic bacterium Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14.
To investigate the influence of various factors on PET degradation efficiency.
To establish a comprehensive report on PET biodepolymerization using a whole-cell biocatalyst.

Main Methods:

Isolation and identification of Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14 from a dumpyard.
Experimental design using JMP software for initial screening (20 trials).
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) for optimization (25 trials, 4 variables, 5 levels).
Enzymatic assays to quantify esterase and lipase activity.
Analytical characterization (surface erosion, crystallinity, terephthalic acid yield).

Main Results:

Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14 achieved 27.6% PET weight loss in 30 days under unoptimized conditions.
Optimized conditions using RSM resulted in a maximum PET weight loss of 75.6% in 60 days.
Significant esterase (5,690 U/mL) and lipase (962 U/mL) activities were confirmed.
Analytical data showed surface erosion, reduced crystallinity, and high terephthalic acid yield.

Conclusions:

Glutamicibacter mysorens ASR14 is a promising whole-cell biocatalyst for PET biodepolymerization.
Process optimization significantly enhanced PET degradation efficiency (2.73-fold improvement).
The study provides a foundation for developing scalable, green bioremediation strategies for PET waste.