Discovery and adaptation of microbes that degrade oxidized low-density polyethylene films
There is a growing interest in developing a methodology for effectively cleaving carbon–carbon (C–C) bonds in polymer backbones through bioconversion processes that utilize microorganisms and their enzymes. This upsurge of interest is driven by the goal of achieving a circular economy. Polyolefin post-consumer plastics are a substantial source of carbon, but the recycling potential is severely limited. Upcycling routes are needed for converting polyolefin post-consumer plastics into value-added products while concurrently mitigating adverse environmental effects. These materials contain carbon-based chemicals that can, in principle, serve as the feedstock for microbial metabolism. Some microbes have been reported to grow on polyolefin plastics, but the rate of biodegradation is insufficient for industrial processes. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were subjected to two mild ozone-based oxidation treatments, which facilitated biodegradation. The degree of oxidation was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy via analysis of the carbonyl index (1,710/1,460 cm−1), which ranged from 0.3 to 2.0, and also via analysis of the carboxylic acid content. Following oxidation of the films, studies were conducted to investigate the ability of a panel of polyvinyl alcohol-degrading microbes to degrade the oxidized films. A defined minimal medium was used to cultivate and assess microbial growth on the oxidized films. Following 45 days of cultivation, the most effective strains were further cultivated up to three additional generations on the oxidized film substrates to improve their ability to degrade the oxidized LDPE films. After these enrichments, we identified a strain from the third generation of Pseudomonas sp. Rh926 that exhibited significant cell growth and reduced the oxidized LDPE film mass by 25% in 30 days, demonstrating an enhanced capacity for degrading the oxidized LDPE films.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0003525
- OSTI ID:
- 2483717
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Journal Name: Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 51; ISSN 1367-5435; ISSN 1476-5535
- Publisher:
- SpringerCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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