Role of Novel Biological Agents in Plastic Degradation and Mitigation Approach towards Bioplastics

Abstract

Plastic has become an important part of modern life, and it is the most commonly used material in every industrial sector. The use of plastic is increasing day by day, and its degradation has become a great challenge. Plastics are characterized into four basic groups on the basis of their point of origin. Plastic that can be degraded by environmental factors is known as biodegradable plastic. Non-degradable polymers tend to accumulate as plastic waste in the environment, posing a major ecological threat.  Fossil fuels are utilized to make plastic items, but due to the shortage of natural resources, scientists are finding new alternative ways. Bioplastics have created a revolutionary change in the environment as these plastics are environmentally safe and easy to replenish. Starch is used as a promising biopolymer for plastic synthesis. A polymer undergoes a biological deterioration process by passing through both biotic as well as abiotic mechanisms. Significant attention has been placed on the identification of novel biological agents with degradative potential on plastic material. The microbes can be easily grown on plastic, and the enzymatic process leads to the conversion of plastic into water, carbon dioxide, and methane as a byproduct.