Role of Microbial Enzymes and Their Modification for Plastic Biodegradation–A Review

Abstract

Enzyme-embedded polymers have emerged as a promising solution to the global plastic waste problem, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for plastic degradation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the enzymatic systems, degradation mechanisms, and factors influencing the degradation rate of enzyme-embedded polymers. Various groups of enzymes artificial enzyme designed to degradation of plastic, including proteases, polyesterases, lipases, and esterases, have been examined for their ability to catalyze plastic breakdown. Additionally, the review also explores the techniques used to incorporate enzymes into plastic matrices—such as physical entrapment, covalent immobilization, and surface modification—and evaluates how these methods impact the stability and activity of the enzymes. Different categories of polymers, ranging from the synthetic polymer to bio polymer, have been discussed and the effect of the incorporation of enzymes on the degradation of the polymers has been explored.