Biodegradation of Biodegradable Polymers in Mesophilic Aerobic Environments

MAYEKAR, POOJA C.; BHER, ANIBAL; SCHVEZOV, CARLOS E.; AURAS, RAFAEL A.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

MOLECULAR DIVERSITY PRESERVATION INTERNATIONAL-MDPI

Año: 2022 vol. 23

1422-0067

Abstract: Finding alternatives to diminish plastic pollution has become one of the main challengesof modern life. A few alternatives have gained potential for a shift toward a more circular andsustainable relationship with plastics. Biodegradable polymers derived from bio- and fossil-basedsources have emerged as one feasible alternative to overcome inconveniences associated with theuse and disposal of non-biodegradable polymers. The biodegradation process depends on theenvironment’s factors,microorganisms and associated enzymes, and the polymer properties, resultingin a plethora of parameters that create a complex process whereby biodegradation times and rates canvary immensely. This review aims to provide a background and a comprehensive, systematic, andcritical overview of this complex process with a special focus on themesophilic range. Activity towarddepolymerization by extracellular enzymes, biofilm effect on the dynamic of the degradation process,CO2 evolution evaluating the extent of biodegradation, and metabolic pathways are discussed.Remarks and perspectives for potential future research are provided with a focus on the currentknowledge gaps if the goal is to minimize the persistence of plastics across environments. Innovativeapproaches such as the addition of specific compounds to trigger depolymerization under particularconditions, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and the addition of natural and/or modified enzymesare state-of-the-art methods that need faster development. Furthermore, methods must be connectedto standards and techniques that fully track the biodegradation process. More transdisciplinaryresearch within areas of polymer chemistry/processing and microbiology/biochemistry is needed.