Bioproducts from microbial degradation of biodegradable films for application

Overview

This research program explores a dual-purpose approach to plastic waste: using microbial isolates from landfill environments to break down biodegradable films and conventional plastics, while simultaneously generating valuable bioproducts as outputs. The work addresses two pressing challenges at once, namely plastic waste accumulation and the need for sustainable raw materials. By harnessing bacterial degradation as a feedstock conversion process, the team aims to produce bioproducts such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), fatty acids, and hydrocarbons that can be reused in industrial applications, including bioplastic manufacturing.

The project is led by researchers at Monash University Malaysia with existing collaboration experience involving packaging materials partners. It offers industry partners an opportunity to test their plastic materials as feedstocks for microbial conversion, potentially creating new value streams from waste streams.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Landfill-derived bacterial isolates are screened for plastic-degrading capability
• Isolates are applied to plastic feedstocks including LDPE, PET, PP, and biodegradable films
• Degradation is monitored through weight loss measurements, enzymatic activity assays (esterase and lipase), and material characterisation using FTIR and SEM
• Bioproducts generated during degradation are identified and quantified using LC-MS and GC-MS

Key features:

• Isolates have already demonstrated confirmed ability to degrade LDPE sheets with measurable weight loss
• Preliminary work has detected intermediate by-products including aldehydes, ketones, esters, and acids
• Enzyme profiling (esterase and lipase activity) indicates strong plastic-degradation potential across multiple strains
• Methodology is adaptable to different polymer types, enabling testing of partner-supplied materials

Technology readiness level

The research is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept has been established: bacterial isolates from landfill environments have been confirmed to degrade LDPE, and initial by-product characterisation has been completed. However, the specific bioproducts of interest (PHA, PHB, fatty acids, hydrocarbons) have not yet been fully identified or quantified from plastic-feedstock degradation.

The next phase involves testing 4-5 isolates across multiple plastic types, including partner-supplied biodegradable films, and conducting comprehensive bioproduct analysis. The project is embedded within a 3-year PhD program but can be restructured as a focused 1-year collaboration. The team seeks material supply partnerships, technical input, and collaboration on downstream applications for the recovered bioproducts.