Journal of Applied & Environmental Microbiology · 2017 · 228 citations · 36 references
Life SciencesBiotechnologyMicrobiologyBiomaterialsEnvironmental BiotechnologyPolymer EngineeringBiodegradable BiomaterialsBiodegradable PolymersBiodegradationBioplastic ProductionPolymeric BiomaterialsSynthetic BiomaterialsBiodegradabilityBiodegradable MaterialsBiodegradation Of BiomaterialsDegradable PlasticsPlastic BiodegradationPlastics DegradationPolyhydroxyalkanoatesPolymer Biodegradation
Plastic disposal is a major environmental problem because synthetic plastics are largely non‑degradable, though some microorganisms can slowly break them down; natural bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are produced by microbes and are more readily degraded. Certain bacteria synthesize and accumulate bioplastics like polyhydroxyalkanoates during fermentation from carbon substrates. These bioplastics are safe, non‑toxic, and readily biodegradable by microorganisms.
Plastic disposal is one of the greatest problems facing the environment today, as vast amounts of synthetic plastic remain non degradable. A number of microorganisms have the ability to degrade different types of plastic under suitable conditions, but due to the hardness of these polymers and their non-solubility in water, biological decomposition is a slow process. Natural plastics are made from plant and animal sources, or produced by a range of microorganisms, must be introduced. Some bacterial strains can produce and store bioplastics using carbon sources under suitable fermentation conditions. Such biomaterials are called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or biological polyester. They are safe, have no toxic by-products and can be degraded easily by microorganisms.
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Environmental biodegradation of polyethylene
S. Bonhomme, Annie Cuer, A-M Delort et al. · Polymer Degradation and Stability · 2003 · 546 citations
Natural Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences +11