Biodegradation of disposable polyethylene by fungi and Streptomyces species

The ability of fungi and Streptomyces species to attack degradable plastics was investigated in pure shake-flask culture studies. The degradable plastic used in this study was disposable polyethylene bags containing 6% starch. Eight different isolated Streptomyces strains and two fungi Mucor rouxii...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer degradation and stability 1998-11, Vol.62 (2), p.361-365
Main Authors: El-Shafei, Hanaa A, Abd El-Nasser, Nadia H, Kansoh, Amany L, Ali, Amal M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Bacteria
Biodegradation
Disinfection
Enzymes
Exact sciences and technology
Fungi
Heat treatment
Polyethylenes
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Starch
Technology of polymers
Waste treatment
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Summary:The ability of fungi and Streptomyces species to attack degradable plastics was investigated in pure shake-flask culture studies. The degradable plastic used in this study was disposable polyethylene bags containing 6% starch. Eight different isolated Streptomyces strains and two fungi Mucor rouxii NRRL 1835 and Aspergillus flavus were used. Ten-day heat-treated (70°C) polyethylene films were chemically disinfected and incubated shaken at 125 rpm at 30°C in 0.6% yeast extract medium (pH 7.5) for Streptomyces spp. and for the fungi in 3% yeast extract medium (pH 5.5) for 1, 2 and 4 weeks along with an uninoculated control for each treatment. Active enzymes caused changes in the films’ mechanical properties and weight.
ISSN:0141-3910
1873-2321
DOI:10.1016/S0141-3910(98)00019-6