Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches

Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engi-neering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the origin and dispersal of microplastics in aquatic systems, their biodegradation and the factors affecting it, as well as the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. It also discusses the major challenges associated with plastic removal by evaluating recent reports.