Bioprospecting of Mangrove Filamentous Fungi for the Biodegradation of Polyethylene Microplastics

Author(s):Show less -

Aguiar, Arthur ; Gama, Leticia ; Fornari, Milene ; Neto, Almir ; de Souza, Rodrigo ; Perna, Rafael ; Castro, Laura ; Kovacs, Stella ; Simoes, Marta Filipa ; Ferreira, Nelson ; Dominguez, Yoannis ; de Castro, Leandro ; Ottoni, Cristiane

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING; v. 12, n. 9, p. 17-pg., 2024-09-01.

Abstract

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has been a bottleneck for scientific society. Several approaches have been described as possibilities for reducing MPs in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; however, most of them are not environmentally friendly. Filamentous fungi (Ff) cells are currently considered a promising solution as a treatment for MPs. Therefore, the present study reports the potential ability of Ff isolated from mangrove sediments to biodegrade low-density polyethylene MPs (LDPEMPs). Six Ff strains were grown in batch cultures for 28 days, and one of them, Aspergillus sp. (AQ3A), showed the most prominent profile to biodegrade polymeric compounds. After morphological and molecular analysis, all strains were identified as belonging to the genera Aspergillus (MQ1C, AQ2A and AQ3A), Penicillium (MQ1A), and Trichoderma (MQ1B and MQ2A). The strain Aspergillus sp. (AQ3A) showed the most promising results with a LDPEMPs reduction rate of 47% and biomass formation of 0.0890 g<middle dot>mL(-1). Complementary studies with Aspergillus sp. (AQ3A) using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) highlighted changes in the molecular structure of LDPEMPs. These results indicate that Ff can contribute to the biodegradation of LDPEMPs. However, other parameters, mainly associated with the enzymes that are involved in this biodegradation process, need to be explored. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/12867-2 - Development and validation of a low-cost, bio- and nano-based innovative technology for drinking water disinfection
• Grantee: Cristiane Angélica Ottoni
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11074-1 - Polystyrene microplastic biodegradation by filamentous fungi isolated from mangrove and Apicum
• Grantee: Letícia Fontes Gama
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 19/16023-6 - Revealing transcriptome and proteome data for characterization of peptidomes and bioactive peptides in organisms from bycatch of shrimp trawling
• Grantee: Leandro Mantovani de Castro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants