Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications

Anuj Yadav; Soni Paswan; Shahajad Ansari; Sharif Ansari

Anuj Yadav, Soni Paswan, Shahajad Ansari, Sharif Ansari | International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials | Vol 12, Issue 02 | ISSN: 2455-7323

Abstract

Abstract: Polyethylene (PE), a commonly used synthetic polymer, is highly resistant to natural breakdown, leading to serious environmental and ecological issues such as soil and marine pollution, the formation of microplastics, and risks to wildlife and human health. Recent efforts have focused on using microbial and enzymatic processes to handle polyethylene waste. Microorganisms such as bacteria (Pseudomonas, Bacillus), fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium), and algae produce enzymes like laccases, peroxidases, oxygenases, and alkane hydroxylases, which help break down polymer chains into smaller molecules such as oligomers and monomers. Progress in omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, has helped scientists understand the molecular processes involved in degradation, which in turn supports the development of engineered microbial communities and enzyme systems. These biotechnological methods are applied in areas such as bioremediation, bioaugmentation in composting, circular bioeconomy strategies, and the production of valuable products like biofuels and bioplastics. Future approaches aim to combine synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics to improve microbial degradation efficiency, discover new enzymes, and advance sustainable waste management practices, contributing to global environmental protection and the development of biodegradable alternatives.

Keywords: Polyethylene, Microbial Degradation, Enzymatic Breakdown, Bioremediation, Synthetic Biology

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How to cite this article

APA

Yadav, A., Paswan, S., Ansari, S., & Ansari, S. (2026). Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications. International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials, 12(02).

MLA

Yadav, Anuj, et al. “Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications.” International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials, vol. 12, no. 02, 2026.

Chicago

Anuj Yadav, Soni Paswan, Shahajad Ansari, and Sharif Ansari. “Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications.” International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials 12, no. 02 (2026).

Vancouver

Yadav A, Paswan S, Ansari S, Ansari S. Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications. International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials. 2026;12(02).

BibTeX

@article{YadavA2026,
author = {Anuj Yadav and Soni Paswan and Shahajad Ansari and Sharif Ansari},
title = {Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Polyethylene: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Approaches, and Biotechnological Applications},
journal = {International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials},
year = {2026},
volume = {12},
number = {02},
issn = {2455-7323},
url = {https://journalspub.com/publication/uncategorized/article=27294}
}