Prospecting and characterization of proteins with biotechnological potential for the degradation and reuse of plastic waste

• Grant number: 24/07317-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Adriane Maria Ferreira Milagres
• Grantee: Adriane Maria Ferreira Milagres
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fernando Segato ; Marcelo Depólo Polêto ; Matheus Ítalo Bomfim Aragão

Abstract

This research project focuses on plastic waste management through biotechnological solutions to mitigate pollution, with two main areas: developing technologies for plastic waste degradation and for recycling and valorizing these materials. Despite being highly recalcitrant, polymers in plastics can be degraded (at least partially) by certain fungi. This opens a broad field for prospecting new microorganisms and consortia, as well as exploring their metabolic pathways to convert plastic-derived polymers into inputs useful for industrial processes. Instead of solely aiming to remediate plastic pollution, the goal is also to utilize these plastic residues as inputs for processes similar to those in current biorefineries.Wood-degrading fungi, such as Bjerkandera adusta (white-rot) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown-rot), demonstrate a high capacity to degrade natural polymers due to the production of extracellular enzymes and non-enzymatic compounds, making them of interest for treating industrial waste, including plastics. Thus, it is pertinent to investigate the biodegradation capabilities of different types of plastics by single cultures and cocultures of these species, under both solid and liquid cultivation conditions, to assess their potential for plastic bioremediation. Lacases and peroxidases have shown promising results in modifying polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), while LPMOs and esterases act on polyesters like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PUR). However, it is still unknown if the expression of these enzymes is regulated and, if so, how the presence of plastics in the microenvironment might stimulate their production. In addition to enzymes capable of breaking down plastic-derived polymers, hydrophobins will be produced and applied to increase the wettability of plastic surfaces, enhancing enzymatic action. The soluble products obtained from degradation will be used as a carbon source in bacterial cultures that metabolize plastic components, enabling their integration into biorefineries for the generation of biomaterials or bioenergy, thus promoting a circular economy. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILVA, EZEQUIEL MARCELINO; MILAGRES, ADRIANE MARIA FERREIRA. Enzymatic analysis of eucalyptus harvest residue decomposition by lentinula edodes for enhanced crop management and conservation. WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, v. 41, n. 4, p. 11-pg., 2025-04-01. (24/07317-4)