Bioplastic

Engineering

Bacteria

Biology

Materials science

Biodegradation

Telecommunications

Polypropylene

Waste management

Genetics

Organic chemistry

Degradation (telecommunications)

Polyethylene

Polyvinyl chloride

Biodegradable plastic

Environmental science

Composite material

Chemistry

Microorganism

Pulp and paper industry

Depolymerization

Microbial biodegradation

Polyethylene terephthalate

Frontiers in Microbiology

A growing accumulation of plastic wastes has become a severe environmental and social issue. It is urgent to develop innovative approaches for the disposal of plastic wastes. In recent years, reports on biodegradation of synthetic plastics by microorganisms or enzymes have sprung up, and these offer a possibility to develop biological treatment technology for plastic wastes. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the microorganisms and enzymes that are able to degrade a variety of generally used synthetic plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, we have highlighted the microbial metabolic pathways for plastic depolymerization products and the current attempts toward utilization of such products as feedstocks for microbial production of chemicals with high value. Taken together, these findings will contribute to building a conception of bio-upcycling plastic wastes by connecting the biodegradation of plastic wastes to the biosynthesis of valuable chemicals in microorganisms. Last, but not least, we have discussed the challenges toward microbial degradation and valorization of plastic wastes.

Microbial Degradation and Valorization of Plastic Wastes