Development of a Safe Solid-State Microorganism/Biodegradable Polymer Composite for Decomposition of Formaldehyde

Abstract

A very safe and environmentally friendly solid-state material for bioremediation was prepared using a combination of Aspergillus oryzae and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a porous biodegradable polymer. The novel material was capable of decomposing 200 ppm formaldehyde solutions to 0 ppm within 7 days. Degradation ability was prolonged by addition of yeast extract-peptone-dextrose medium into the composite; 200 ppm formaldehyde was decomposed to 0 ppm over eight additional decomposition cycles and 100 days. A unique mechanism is proposed where, during PCL degradation, the solid-state composite provides nutrients to A. oryzae.