Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2023-03, Vol.98, p.104045, Article 104045
• Main Authors: Kumar, Vinay, Sharma, Neha, Duhan, Lucky, Pasrija, Ritu, Thomas, Jithin, Umesh, Mridul, Lakkaboyana, Sivarama Krishna, Andler, Rodrigo, Vangnai, Alisa S., Vithanage, Meththika, Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar, Chia, Wen Yi, LokeShow, Pau, Barceló, Damià
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradation, Environmental; Biotechnology approaches; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme engineering; Microbial engineering; Microplastic; Microplastic removal; Microplastics; Plastics; Sources of microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104045

Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engineering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available. [Display omitted] •The sources and routes of microplastic contamination was summarized.•Enzymology of microplastic degradation was precisely elaborated.•Microbial engineering strategies for micro plastic biodegradation was presented.•Challenges and future prospects in microplastic degradation are discussed.