Polycarbonate biodegradation by isolated molds using clear-zone and atomic force microscopic methods

Abstract

The accumulation of dry waste containing synthetic polymers due to their resistance to microorganisms and other environmental factors has posed some serious problems to the environment in recent years. On the other hand, plastics constitute the foundations of economy as they are widely used in agriculture, constructions, packaging, health care and also medicine. The aim of this research was to investigate the role of different isolated fungi in the degradation of polycarbonate polymers. For this purpose, sampling was done using the garden soil and waste leachate from Isfahan Waste Management Organization. Samples were enriched in the liquid mineral salt medium supplemented with polycarbonate and then were transferred to the same medium solidified with agar to isolate and identify different fungi. Finally, their biodegradation activity was investigated with the help of clearzone and atomic force microscopic (AFM) techniques, and also lipase and amylase production was tested. Among 15 isolated genera of mold fungi, Fusarium, Ulocladium, Chrysosporium and Penicillium showed biodegradation activity. According to the diameter of clear zone around the fungal colonies and also AFM results, the highest rate of degradation was related to Fusarium. Lipase activity of all isolated fungi was positive, but amylase activity of Ulocladium was negative. It can be concluded that some fungal strains such as Fusarium can be used for the biodegradation of plastic materials as it leads to a very eco-friendly biodegradation process.

Current advances in polyurethane biodegradation

“…In 2020, Tahmourespour and co‐workers isolated two bacterial strains with polycarbonate degradation activity from a soil sample in which were buried five polycarbonate films for 9 months. Among them, the biodegradation activity of B. megaterium was better than that of B. cereu 45 . In addition to the Pseudomonas and Bacillus species, Sikorska et al .…”

“…Among them, the biodegradation activity of B. megaterium was better than that of B. cereu. 45 In addition to the Pseudomonas and Bacillus species, Sikorska et al studied the biodegradation of polysulfone-PU membranes by Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The ultrafiltration coefficient level was increased in E. coli metabolites, with changes observed in the selectivity and porosity of PU membranes.…”

Response of indigenously developed bacterial consortia in progressive degradation of polyvinyl chloride

“…The substantial increase in the average roughness of PVC ranging 3.88 to 6.0 in presence of consortium-I and 4.38 to 6.63 through consortium-II in comparison to control (3.25 to 3.4) (Bhattacharyya and Klapperich, 2007). A subsequent group of surface degradation of polycarbonate was observed (Arefian et al 2013). Here, in-depth comparative potentials of the consortia, the typical roughness of the PVC film with incubation periods has been observed (Fig.…”

Effect of Sublethal Concentrations of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Bacillus cereus

“…They are found in decomposing organic matter, soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of invertebrates, and are also a component of the microbiota of raw milk [ 3 , 4 ]. Bacteria of this group associated with the soil environment play an important role in the biodegradation process of natural and synthetic compounds and the nutrient cycle, and are a major factor determining ecological balance [ 5 , 6 ]. B. cereus is also counted among food pathogens.…”