Microbial Communities as a Key to Biodegradable Plastics

| By Gizem Bulut

Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. While plastic production and consumption continue to increase, so does the need for effective plastic waste management solutions. One potential solution is biodegradation, which relies on microbial communities to break down plastics into simpler compounds.

Microbial communities have emerged as key players in the quest for biodegradable plastics. They work by performing a variety of functions, including the breakdown of organic matter, the cycling of nutrients, and the production of essential compounds. These microorganisms interact with each other in complex ways, often forming symbiotic relationships that benefit all members of the community. For example, some microorganisms produce enzymes that break down complex organic compounds, while others use the resulting simpler compounds as a source of energy or building blocks for growth.

In the context of plastic biodegradation, microbial communities work by producing enzymes that break down the chemical bonds in plastics, ultimately converting them into simpler compounds that can be used by other microorganisms. This process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that can be carried out by different types of microorganisms. For example, aerobic bacteria require oxygen to break down plastics, while anaerobic bacteria can operate in the absence of oxygen.

There are different types of microbial communities involved in plastic biodegradation. Each type is unique in its composition, structure, and function. The major types of microbial communities include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses.

Bacteria are the most abundant type of microorganisms and can be found in almost every environment, including soil, water, and the human body. They are known for their ability to break down organic matter, including plastics, and play a critical role in the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to perform their metabolic processes, while anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen and can perform their metabolic processes in the absence of oxygen. Aerobic bacteria can use oxygen to break down organic matter and produce energy, while anaerobic bacteria use alternative electron acceptors, such as nitrates, sulfates, or carbon dioxide, to produce energy. Some bacteria can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, depending on the availability of oxygen in their environment. In the context of plastic biodegradation, aerobic bacteria are crucial because they can use oxygen to break down the chemical bonds in plastics, ultimately converting them into simpler compounds that can be used by other microorganisms. Anaerobic bacteria can also play a role in plastic biodegradation, particularly in environments where oxygen is limited or absent. However, the process of plastic biodegradation by anaerobic bacteria can be slower than by aerobic bacteria.

Archaea are similar to bacteria but differ in their genetic makeup and metabolic processes. They are typically found in extreme environments, such as hot springs, and can play a critical role in nutrient cycling in these environments. Archaea can play a role in plastic degradation by participating in the process of anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion is a complex process in which microorganisms break down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas as a byproduct. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, and it can be used as a renewable energy source. During anaerobic digestion, archaea play a critical role in the degradation of organic matter, including plastics. They break down complex organic compounds into simpler compounds, which can be used by other microorganisms in the community. Some archaea can also produce enzymes that break down specific types of plastics, such as polyethylene and polystyrene. In addition to their role in anaerobic digestion, archaea can also participate in the process of methanogenesis, which is the production of methane by microorganisms. Methanogenesis can occur in various environments, including landfills and other waste management facilities, where large amounts of organic waste, including plastic waste, are decomposed.

Fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that can be found in many different environments, including soil, water, and the air. They are known for their ability to break down complex organic compounds, including plastics, and can produce enzymes that break down the chemical bonds in plastics. They are a diverse group of organisms that are known for their ability to decompose a wide range of organic compounds, including lignin, cellulose, and chitin. Some fungi can also produce enzymes that can degrade plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. One group of fungi that have been studied for their ability to degrade plastics are the Ascomycetes. These fungi produce extracellular enzymes, such as cutinases and lipases, that can hydrolyze the ester bonds present in plastics. Some species of Ascomycetes, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, have been shown to degrade polyurethane and polystyrene. Another group of fungi that have been studied for their ability to degrade plastics is the Basidiomycetes. These fungi produce extracellular enzymes, such as lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase, that can oxidize and break down the polymer chains in plastics. Some species of Basidiomycetes, such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, have been shown to degrade polystyrene and polyurethane.

Viruses are small infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate. They are known for their ability to infect and harm other organisms, including bacteria and other microorganisms. Some viruses can also play a beneficial role in the environment, such as by infecting harmful bacteria. That's why viruses can also be called bacteriophages, or short: phages. While viruses are not typically thought of as key players in plastic degradation, they may play a role in shaping microbial communities involved in plastic degradation. In microbial communities involved in plastic degradation, viruses may help to regulate the population sizes of bacterial and archaeal species, which in turn can influence the rate and efficiency of plastic degradation.

The exact mechanisms by which those microbial communities work are complex and still not fully understood. However, the diversity and composition of microbial communities play a critical role in their ability to perform specific functions. This has led to increasing interest in the study and manipulation of microbial communities for a wide range of applications, including the production of biodegradable plastics.

By using microorganisms to produce biodegradable plastics, it is possible to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly plastic production process than fossil-based plastic production. The production of biodegradable plastics using microbial communities involves the use of genetically engineered microorganisms to produce polymers that can be broken down by other microorganisms after use. Biodegradable plastics have numerous applications in different fields. They are particularly useful in the food industry, where they can be used to create packaging that is both biodegradable and edible. In the medical industry, biodegradable plastics are used to create implantable medical devices that are gradually broken down by the body over time.

The future of microbial communities in biodegradable plastics production is bright, with many potential applications and benefits. Their ability to break down plastics and produce biodegradable materials holds great promise for the creation of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly plastic production process. With further research and development, the use of microbial communities in plastics production could revolutionize the way we produce and use plastics, and help us move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.