Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece.
Biodegradation. 2024 Jul;35(4):451-468. doi: 10.1007/s10532-023-10064-z. Epub 2024 Jan 30.
Microplastics pose significant challenges to ecosystems and organisms. They can be ingested by marine and terrestrial species, leading to potential health risks and ecological disruptions. This study aims to address the urgent need for effective remediation strategies by focusing on the biodegradation of microplastics, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) derivatives, using the bacterial strain Bacillus albus. The study provides a comprehensive background on the accumulation of noxious substances in the environment and the importance of harnessing biodegradation as an eco-friendly method for pollutant elimination. The specific objective is to investigate the enzymatic capabilities of Bacillus albus, particularly the alpha/beta hydrolases (ABH), in degrading microplastics. To achieve this, in-silico studies were conducted, including analysis of the ABH protein sequence and its interaction with potential inhibitors targeting PVC derivatives. Docking scores of - 7.2 kcal/mol were obtained to evaluate the efficacy of the interactions. The study demonstrates the promising bioremediation prospects of Bacillus albus for microplastics, highlighting its potential as a key player in addressing microplastic pollution. The findings underscore the urgent need for further experimental validation and practical implementation of Bacillus albus in environmental remediation strategies.
微塑料对生态系统和生物构成重大挑战。它们可以被海洋和陆地物种摄入，导致潜在的健康风险和生态破坏。本研究旨在通过关注使用细菌枯草芽孢杆菌对微塑料（特别是聚氯乙烯 (PVC) 衍生物）的生物降解，解决有效修复策略的迫切需求。该研究提供了环境中有害物质积累的综合背景以及利用生物降解作为污染物消除的环保方法的重要性。具体目标是研究枯草芽孢杆菌的酶促能力，特别是α/β水解酶（ABH），以降解微塑料。为了实现这一目标，进行了计算机模拟研究，包括对 ABH 蛋白序列及其与针对 PVC 衍生物的潜在抑制剂的相互作用进行分析。获得了-7.2 kcal/mol 的对接评分，以评估相互作用的效果。该研究展示了枯草芽孢杆菌对微塑料的有前景的生物修复前景，强调了其作为解决微塑料污染的关键参与者的潜力。这些发现强调了进一步进行枯草芽孢杆菌在环境修复策略中的实验验证和实际应用的迫切需要。
