Microbial Approaches to Plastic Waste Management: Enzymes, Genetics, and Biotechnological Advances

Abstract

The persistent accumulation of plastic waste in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems poses a critical environmental challenge due to the non-biodegradable nature of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). In recent years, microbial approaches have emerged as promising strategies for mitigating plastic pollution through the biodegradation of plastics using naturally occurring or genetically engineered microorganisms. This paper explores the role of microbial enzymes-such as PETases, MHETases, and laccases-in breaking down complex plastic polymers into environmentally benign or reusable monomers. It further examines the genetic and metabolic pathways that underpin plastic degradation, emphasizing the role of metagenomics, enzyme engineering, and synthetic biology in enhancing microbial efficiency. The review also highlights recent biotechnological advancements, including CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing and systems biology approaches, to develop robust microbial strains capable of degrading high molecular weight plastics under environmentally relevant conditions. By integrating enzyme kinetics, microbial genomics, and bioprocess engineering, this study presents a comprehensive framework for the development of scalable and sustainable plastic waste management systems. The findings underscore the potential of microbial biotechnology as a pivotal tool in addressing the global plastic crisis while advocating for interdisciplinary innovation to bridge laboratory research and real-world application.