Abstract

Polyolefins, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), are widely used plastics in our daily life. The excessive use of plastics and improper handling methods cause considerable pollution in the environment, as well as waste of energy. The biodegradation of polyolefins seems to be an environmentally friendly and low-energy consumption method for plastics degradation. Many strains that could degrade polyolefins have been isolated from the environment. Some enzymes have also been identified with the function of polyolefin degradation. With the development of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies, engineered strains could be used to degrade plastics. This review summarizes the current advances in polyolefin degradation, including isolated and engineered strains, enzymes and related pathways. Furthermore, a novel strategy for polyolefin degradation by artificial microbial consortia is proposed, which would be helpful for the efficient degradation of polyolefin.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.