Research in Health and Medical Sciences
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Volume 4, Issue 1 (1-2025)
JRHMS 2025, 4(1): 26-37 |
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Bazrafshan E, Gharehchahi E, Falahi J, Mozaffari P, Moeini Z. Bacterial biodegradation of microplastics: Mechanisms, applications, challenges, and future prospects. JRHMS 2025; 4 (1) :26-37
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-137-en.html
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-137-en.html
1- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran & Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
2- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran & Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
4- Research Officer Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
2- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran & Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
4- Research Officer Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
Abstract: (6 Views)
Microplastic pollution is recognized as a serious global threat to the environment and human health. The high persistence and slow natural degradation rate of these particles necessitate the development of sustainable management solutions. Among these, biodegradation using microorganisms, particularly bacteria, is considered a promising approach due to its advantages such as low energy consumption and compatibility with ecosystems. This review was conducted based on searches in the scientific databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus from 2016 to 2025. Keywords including "biodegradation of microplastics by bacteria," "bacterial enzymes like PETase," and "challenges of biodegradable plastics" were combined. After screening, approximately 50 relevant articles were selected for final analysis. The review revealed that various bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Ideonella sakaiensis, are capable of degrading different polymers such as PET, PE, and PP through the secretion of specialized enzymes (e.g., PETase, laccases, and hydrolases). The degradation mechanism generally involves bacterial attachment and biofilm formation, enzymatic depolymerization, and ultimate mineralization. Applying this process wastewater treatment systems showed positive results. However, major challenges include slow degradation rates under real environmental conditions and the resistance of certain polymers. Innovative strategies such as enzyme engineering and microbial consortia use hold potential to enhance efficiency. Bacterial biodegradation of microplastics shows high potential as a sustainable solution, yet large-scale application requires overcoming challenges like optimizing degradation rates and process scalability. Future research should focus on engineering more efficient strains and enzymes, gaining a deeper understanding of interactions in complex environments, and developing supportive policy frameworks.
Keywords: Biodegradation, plastic-degrading bacteria, microbial enzymes, biodegradable polymers, plastic pollution
Type of Study: Narrative Review |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/05/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/8 | Published: 2026/05/23
Received: 2026/05/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/8 | Published: 2026/05/23
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