Biodegradation of polystyrene by intestinal symbiotic bacteria isolated from mealworms, the larvae of Tenebrio molitor

Park, Ji-Won; Kim, Minjun; Kim, Seo-Young; Bae, Jihye; Kim, Tae‐Jong

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17352

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Subsequent studies investigating the reservoir of Y. regensburgei have increased the understanding of its animal reservoir to include insects such as southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), brown stink bug (Euschistus heros), giant spiny stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata), termites (Reticulitermes chinensi), boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata). Addditionally, Y. regensburgei has also been isolated from soil samples in China, thus greatly expanding its known natural reservoir [15,[18][19][20][21][22][23]. However, veterinary infections produced by this bacterium were not reported until recently.…”

Section: An Emerging Pathogen In the Animal Worldmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…regensburgei could become invaluable in future efforts to combat different types of pollution such as plastic pollution and heavy metal contamination of wastewater. A Korean team of researchers led by Park et al made an extraordinary discovery regarding the biology of Y. regensburgei [23]. They successfully isolated this bacterium from mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and demonstrated its ability to degrade polystyrene [23].…”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A Korean team of researchers led by Park et al made an extraordinary discovery regarding the biology of Y. regensburgei [23]. They successfully isolated this bacterium from mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and demonstrated its ability to degrade polystyrene [23]. Their work marks a premier regarding the biology of this bacterium since there are no other reports that describe this phenomenon [23].…”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They successfully isolated this bacterium from mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and demonstrated its ability to degrade polystyrene [23]. Their work marks a premier regarding the biology of this bacterium since there are no other reports that describe this phenomenon [23]. Additionally, the Y. regensburgei strain GXAS49-I, isolated from soil samples, has demonstrated the ability to effectively remove heavy metals such as Cu and Pb through absorption and biomineralization processes.…”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Yokenella regensburgei—Past, Present and Future

Toc,

Costache,

Neculicioiu

et al. 2024

Antibiotics

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Yokenella regensburgei is a Gram-negative rod part of the Enterobacteriaceae family (order Enterobacterales) and a rare cause of human infections. Although improved diagnostic methods have led to an increase in reports of this elusive pathogen, information remains limited. In order to provide a better understanding of this bacterium, we developed the first comprehensive review of its biology, biochemical profile, antimicrobial resistance pattern, virulence factors, natural reservoir and involvement in various veterinary and human infections. Human infections with this bacterium are scarcely reported, most probably due to constraints regarding its identification and biochemical similarities to Hafnia alvei. Multiple systematic searches revealed 23 cases of human infection, with a seemingly worldwide distribution, mostly in middle-aged or elderly male patients, often associated with immunosuppression. To date, Y. regensburgei has been reported in skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia and sepsis, osteoarticular infections and in others such as urinary tract and digestive infections. The unique ability of Y. regensburgei to degrade polystyrene presents a novel and promising avenue for addressing plastic pollution in the near future. However, large-scale applications of this bacterium will undoubtedly increase human exposure, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive research into its role in human and veterinary infections, pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance.

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Section: An Emerging Pathogen In the Animal Worldmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Yokenella regensburgei—Past, Present and Future

Toc,

Costache,

Neculicioiu

et al. 2024

Antibiotics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Biodegradation of polystyrene nanoplastics by Achromobacter xylosoxidans M9 offers a mealworm gut-derived solution for plastic pollution

El-Kurdi,

El-Shatoury,

ElBaghdady

et al. 2024

Arch Microbiol

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Nanoplastics pose significant environmental problems due to their high mobility and increased toxicity. These particles can cause infertility and inflammation in aquatic organisms, disrupt microbial signaling and act as pollutants carrier. Despite extensive studies on their harmful impact on living organisms, the microbial degradation of nanoplastics is still under research. This study investigated the degradation of nanoplastics by isolating bacteria from the gut microbiome of Tenebrio molitor larvae fed various plastic diets. Five bacterial strains capable of degrading polystyrene were identified, with Achromobacter xylosoxidans M9 showing significant nanoplastic degradation abilities. Within 6 days, this strain reduced nanoplastic particle size by 92.3%, as confirmed by SEM and TEM analyses, and altered the chemical composition of the nanoplastics, indicating a potential for enhanced bioremediation strategies. The strain also caused a 7% weight loss in polystyrene film over 30 days, demonstrating its efficiency in degrading nanoplastics faster than polystyrene film. These findings might enhance plastic bioremediation strategies. Graphical abstract

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