Degradation of low-density poly ethylene (LDPE) by Enterobacter cloacae AKS7: a potential step towards sustainable environmental remediation

Plastics composed of polyethylene are non-biodegradable and are mostly harmful to the environment. Literature studies documented that the extent of microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) seems to be insufficient and the underlying mechanisms of such degradation remain unexplored. In the present study, efforts were given to degrade LDPE by a recently isolated bacteria Enterobacter cloacae AKS7. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, tensile strength, and weight loss analysis confirmed the efficient degradation of LDPE by AKS7. To investigate the mechanism, it was observed that with the progression of time, the extent of microbial colonization got increased considerably over the LDPE surface. It was also observed that the organism (AKS7) gradually increased the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) suggesting the formation of efficient biofilm over the LDPE surface. Furthermore, to comprehend the role of cell-surface hydrophobicity towards biofilm formation, two mutants of AKS7 were screened that showed a considerable reduction in cell-surface hydrophobicity in contrast to its wild type. The result showed that the mutants revealed compromised LDPE degradation than wild-type cells of AKS7. Further investigation revealed that the mutant cells of AKS7 were incapable of adhering to LDPE in contrast to wild-type cells. Thus, the results demonstrated that the cell-surface hydrophobicity of AKS7 favors the development of microbial biofilm over LDPE that leads to the enhanced degradation of LDPE by AKS7. Therefore, the organism holds the assurance to be considered as a promising bio-remediating agent for the sustainable degradation of polythene-based hazardous waste.