Microbial Enzymatic Degradation of Synthetic Polymer

Abstract

Background: Polyethylene (PE) is the thorough going ample artificial polymer produced worldwide. One of the maximum proof against biodegradation, ensuing in affluence accumulation within the surroundings. Though the microbial degradation of polyethylene has been reported, entire biodegradation of polyethylene has now no longer been accomplished and speedy degradation of polyethylene beneath ambient situations within the surroundings remains now no longer feasible. The degradation techniques of polymer have caused the emergence of organic degradation with microbial (bacteria & fungi) extracellular enzymes. Microbes make use of artificial polymer because the substrate beneath hunger and in unavailability to microbial nutrients. Microbial enzymatic degradation is appropriate from bioremediation factor of view as no waste accumulation. The microbial interplay and mechanism worried within the enzymatic degradation of polyethylene beneath diverse environmental elements. The degradation of polymer is related to the manufacturing of molecular weight of the enzyme. The intention of the studies is degradation of polymers with enzymes.

Objectives: Characterization of enzyme ability in polyethylene degradation

Methods: In the present work, we have mainly screened and characterized lipase and laccase enzyme which are involved in polyethylene degradation. So, following are the details and experiments carried out in the laboratory.

Results: Microorganisms present in dumpsite are capable of using polyethylene as carbon source and enable them to efficiently degrade polyethylene. In our work, we have isolated polyethylene degrading microorganisms from local dumpsite. Enzymes are responsible for polyethylene degradation were also screened and identified as laccase and lipase these enzymes were purified partially. Degradation of UV treated was confirmed by SEM, FTIR studies. By observing the results, we could conclude that these isolated organisms act as better solution for problems caused by polyethylene in the environment.

Conclusions: Enzymes are present in all living cells and hence in microbes too. Relative amounts of various enzymes produced by microorganisms vary with species and even between strains of the same species. Enzymes are specific in the action on substrates, so different enzymes help in the degradation of various types of plastics.