Biodegradation of oxidized low density polyethylene by Pelosinus fermentans lipase

Authors
Kim, Do-WookLim, Eui SeokLee, Ga HyunSon, HyeoncheolSung, Chang minJung, Jong-HyunPark, Hyun JuneGong, Gyeong taekKo, Ja KyongUm, Young soonHan, Sung OkAhn, Jung Ho
Issue Date
2024-07
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Citation
Bioresource Technology, v.403
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) exhibits high resistance to degradation, contributing to plastic pollution. PE discarded into the environment is photo-oxidized by sunlight and oxygen. In this study, a key enzyme capable of degrading oxidized PE is reported for the first time. Twenty different enzymes from various lipase families were evaluated for hydrolytic activity using substrates mimicking oxidized PE. Among them, Pelosinus fermentans lipase 1 (PFL1) specifically cleaved the ester bonds within the oxidized carbon?carbon backbone. Moreover, PFL1 (6 μM) degraded oxidized PE film, reducing the weight average and number average molecular weights by 44.6 and 11.3 %, respectively, within five days. Finally, structural analysis and molecular docking simulations were performed to elucidate the degradation mechanism of PFL1. The oxidized PE-degrading enzyme reported here will provide the groundwork for advancing PE waste treatment technology and for engineering microbes to repurpose PE waste into valuable chemicals.
Keywords
Plastic pollution; Bioremediation; Photo-oxidation; Hydrolytic enzyme; Plastic waste treatment
ISSN
0960-8524
URI
https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/149924
DOI
10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130871
Appears in Collections:
KIST Article > 2024
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