Theo Obrador-Viel, Vinko Zadjelovic, Balbina Nogales, Rafael Bosch, Joseph A. Christie-Oleza
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Plastics are versatile materials that have the potential to propel humanity towards circularity and ultimate societal sustainability. However, the escalating concern surrounding plastic pollution has garnered significant attention, leading to widespread negative perceptions of these materials. Here, we question the role microbes may play in plastic pollution bioremediation by (i) defining polymer biodegradability (i.e., recalcitrant, hydrolysable and biodegradable polymers) and (ii) reviewing best practices for evaluating microbial biodegradation of plastics. We establish recommendations to facilitate the implementation of rigorous methodologies in future studies on plastic biodegradation, aiming to push this field towards the use of isotopic labelling to confirm plastic biodegradation and further determine the molecular mechanisms involved.
期刊介绍:
Microbial Biotechnology publishes papers of original research reporting significant advances in any aspect of microbial applications, including, but not limited to biotechnologies related to: Green chemistry; Primary metabolites; Food, beverages and supplements; Secondary metabolites and natural products; Pharmaceuticals; Diagnostics; Agriculture; Bioenergy; Biomining, including oil recovery and processing; Bioremediation; Biopolymers, biomaterials; Bionanotechnology; Biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers; Compatible solutes and bioprotectants; Biosensors, monitoring systems, quantitative microbial risk assessment; Technology development; Protein engineering; Functional genomics; Metabolic engineering; Metabolic design; Systems analysis, modelling; Process engineering; Biologically-based analytical methods; Microbially-based strategies in public health; Microbially-based strategies to influence global processes