Chapter 1 - Microbes and environment sustainability: An in-depth review on the role of insect gut microbiota in plastic biodegradation

Abstract

Though several microorganisms degrade plastics in diverse ecosystems, the degradation rate is remarkably slow; however, this process can be accelerated comparatively within an insect host. Available information on the plastic degradation ability of insects and the mechanisms underlying this process is still limited; therefore, many questions about insect-mediated plastic degradation remain unanswered. Generally, the mandibulate insects transform plastics into subtle fragmented forms by their collective chewing actions after being ingested into the guts. The gut microorganisms convert plastic polymers into assimilable simpler forms through microbial enzymes.