Biodegradation of microbial and synthetic polyesters by fungi

Abstract

A variety of biodegradable polyesters have been developed in order to obtain useful biomaterials and to reduce the impact of environmental pollution caused by the large-scale accumulation of non-degradable waste plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly( l-lactide), and both aliphatic and aromatic polyalkylene dicarboxylic acids are examples of biodegradable polyesters. In general, most aliphatic polyesters are readily mineralized by a number of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that are widely distributed in nature. However, aromatic polyesters are more resistant to microbial attack than aliphatic polyesters. The fungal biomass in soils generally exceeds the bacterial biomass and thus it is likely that fungi may play a considerable role in degrading polyesters, just as they predominantly perform the decomposition of organic matter in the soil ecosystem. However, in contrast to bacterial polyester degradation, which has been extensively investigated, the microbiological and environmental aspects of fungal degradation of polyesters are unclear. This review reports recent advances in our knowledge of the fungal degradation of microbial and synthetic polyesters and discusses the ecological importance and contribution of fungi in the biological recycling of waste polymeric materials in the biosphere.

Biosorption and biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in aqueous solution

“…Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a typical white-rot fungus is capable to degrade lignin-like polycyclic compounds such as PAHs [25,26]. White-rot fungi are widespread concern in the microbial remediation of POPs contaminated environment [2730] because they can use multiple co-metabolic substrates [27,28], easily to grow and are adaptable to different environmental conditions.…”

Candida antarctica Lipase B as Catalyst for Cyclic Esters Synthesis, Their Polymerization and Degradation of Aliphatic Polyesters

“…delemar and Fusarium sp. [113] lipases were applied, however some interesting examples of degradation in the presence of N-435 can be also found. For instance, it was proved that N-435 is able to degrade homopolymer poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with 98% mass loss after 9 days [114].…”

An approach to polymer degradation through microbes

“…They do not break down in the environment easily because they are resistant to microbial attack, due to their excessive molecular mass, high number of aromatic rings, unusual bonds, or halogen substitutions [3]. As a result they remain in the environment for a very long time without any deterioration and the large-scale accumulation of waste plastics in the biosphere has given rise to the problem of severe environmental pollution [4]. These problems have made plastic waste a major focus in the management of solid waste.…”