Abstract:
Plastic waste is causing an increasing environmental catastrophe that calls for creative
and long-lasting solutions. The intricate and widespread nature ofplastic contamination
is beyond the scope of conventional recycling techniques. In order to improve resource
efficiency and waste reduction, this review investigates the possibility of microbial
degradation as an environmentally acceptable process. Although bioplastics are
frequently more expensive than conventional plastics, they have various advantages,
including environmental benefits and sustainability. It does this by tying in with the
ideas of a circular economy. First review examines the types of plastics, chemical
formula, and their applications. This study fuither examines several biodegradable
plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and starchbased
polymers. To guarantee environmental integrify and customer trust, certification
requirements are explored. The review looks into enzymatic degradation mechanisms,
focusing on the functions of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., esterases, lipases) and oxidative
enzymes (e.g., peroxidases), as well as the importance of microbial consortia and
synergistic enzqe activities. Emerging biotechnological methods, such as enzyme
engineering and metagenomic screening, are investigated for their potential to identify
novel plastic-degrading enzymes. To optimize degradation efficiency, factors
influencing enzymatic degradation, such as substrate qualities, environmental factors
are examined. Advanced analytical techniques, including as mass spectrometry,
thermal analysis, and non-destructive imaging, are evaluated for their efficacy in
charactenzing degradation products and visualizing degradation processes. The review
presents on the use of enzymatic degradation in various industries. It also discusses the
potential of these technologies to facilitate closed-loop recycling systems, enzymatic
upcycling and drive the transition towards a circular economy. Finally, the paper
discusses obstacles associated with scaling up enzymatic degradation technologies.
