Microbial degradation of polyethylene terephthalate: a systematic review

Abstract Plastic pollution levels have increased rapidly in recent years, due to the accumulation of plastic waste, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Both high production and lack efficient methods for disposal recycling affect diverse aquatic terrestrial ecosystems owing rates plastics. Traditional chemical physical degradation techniques caused adverse effects on environment; hence, use microorganisms has gained importance recently. This systematic review was conducted evaluating reported findings about PET by wild genetically modified make them available future work contribute eventual implementation an alternative, effective, environmentally friendly method management waste such as PET. with metabolic potential degrade this polymer were identified, addition enzymes genes used genetic modification. The most prevalent wild-type PET-degrading bacteria (56.3%, 36 genera), followed fungi (32.4%, 30 microalgae (1.4%; 1 genus, namely Spirulina sp.), invertebrate associated microbiota (2.8%). Among bacteria, genera Aspergillus sp. Bacillus sp . , respectively. About microorganisms, 50 strains Escherichia coli expressing PETase enzyme, been used. We emphasize pressing need implementing biological a commercial scale, using consortia microorganisms. present five sections: Introduction that highlights biodegradation effective sustainable section Materials summarizes how search articles manuscripts different databases done, another Results where we works found subject, final part Discussion analysis literature finally Conclusion prospects.