Is the gut microbiome of insects a potential source to meet UN sustainable development goals to eliminate plastic pollution?

Abstract

As insects such as cockroaches can endure high radiation, flourish in unsanitary circumstances, thrive on germ‐infested feed, and can even digest the organic polymer cellulose, the gut microbiota of these species likely produces enzymes contributing to their ability to digest a variety of materials. The use of cockroaches as a bio‐resource to eliminate plastic is discussed. We explore whether species such as cockroaches are a potential bio‐resource to eliminate plastic pollution and contribute to the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations as well as the global community to reduce and/or eliminate plastic pollution.