Jin-Hee Cho, Seung-Do Yun, Hyun-Woo Kim, Min-Ju Seo, Bong Hyun Sung, Soo-Jin Yeom
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is among the most widely used synthetic plastics globally, serving as an essential material in daily life and numerous industries, such as packaging for bottles and food, as well as in the production of toys and pipes. PE is used for various purposes owing to its high durability and low production costs, leading to a steadily increasing demand. However, PE waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, posing serious threats to marine and soil ecosystems. Therefore, the efficient decomposition of PE, a synthetic polymer known for its resistance to degradation, using bacteria offers a sustainable and effective method for reusing PE. In this study, we isolated a novel species of Kosakonia, designated Kosakonia cowanii JNU01, from a landfill site, capable of biodegrading PE. K. cowanii JNU01 exhibited the highest cell growth rate in media containing PE, indicating its effectiveness in decomposing PE for use as a sole carbon source in its metabolic pathway. Treatment of PE with K. cowanii JNU01 resulted in the emergence of new chemical functional groups, including hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, and ether groups, within the inert hydrocarbon structure. Analysis of the PE film treated with K. cowanii JNU01 revealed considerable physical degradation on the film's surface. Additionally, various metabolites released from PE by K. cowanii JNU01 were identified. These findings suggest that K. cowanii JNU01 proves to be an effective candidate bacterium for PE degradation.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (JMB) is a monthly international journal devoted to the advancement and dissemination of scientific knowledge pertaining to microbiology, biotechnology, and related academic disciplines. It covers various scientific and technological aspects of Molecular and Cellular Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Food Biotechnology, and Biotechnology and Bioengineering (subcategories are listed below). Launched in March 1991, the JMB is published by the Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB) and distributed worldwide.