Environmental Consortium Containing Pseudomonas and Bacillus Species Synergistically Degrades Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic

• DOI: 10.1128/msphere.01151-20
• Publication Date: 2020-12-22T14:23:13Z
• Authors: Cameron Roberts; Sabrina Edwards; Morgan Vague; Rosa León-Zayas; Henry Scheffer; Gayle Chan; Natasja A. Swartz; Jay L. Mellies
• Keywords: Bacillus (shape)

While several research groups are utilizing purified enzymes to break down postconsumer PET the monomers TPA and ethylene glycol produce new products, here, we present a group of five soil bacteria in culture that able partially degrade this polymer. To date, mixed Pseudomonas spp. Bacillus biodegradation has not been described, work highlights possibility using bacterial consortia biodegrade or potentially biorecycle plastic waste.