Abstract:

Bioplastics have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional plastics, but their disposal still poses significant challenges, such as the presence of residues at the end of anaerobic digestion and composting treatments, necessitating the development of new sustainable waste management strategies. Microorganisms capable of degrading bioplastics can provide invaluable insights into their breakdown mechanisms and hold promise for bioremediation approaches. By employing microbial enrichment technique from bioplastic residues of composted starch-based bioplastic (SBB) and polylactic acid (PLA), we isolated promising bacterial strains with plastic degrading capabilities. Enrichment microcosms provided an environment conducive to the growth of microorganisms utilizing bioplastics as a sole carbon source and with the capacity to degrade bioplastics. Over successive generations, microorganisms proficient in bioplastic degradation proliferated, outcompeting other strains. Characterizing these enriched microbial communities is critical for understanding the microbial diversity and functional dynamics associated with bioplastics degradation. Further analyses will cover molecular techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics, to enable the identification and classification of other uncultivable key microorganisms and their functional genes. Additionally, proteomic analyses will elucidate the specific enzymes involved in bioplastic breakdown, offering a unique opportunity to explore the metabolic pathways and enzymatic machinery involved in bioplastic degradation. The outcomes of this research will hold considerable implications for bioplastic waste management, promoting targeted strategies and consortia for enhanced biodegradation and recycling. These findings may contribute to developing bioremediation technologies and optimizing industrial processes, ultimately mitigating the environmental impact of bioplastic residues.