Comparative Study of Structural Changes of Polylactide and Poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the Presence of Trichoderma viride

Abstract

Plastic pollution is one of the crucial global challenges nowadays, and biodegradation is a promising approach to manage plastic waste in an environment-friendly and cost-effective way. In this study we identified the strain of fungus Trichoderma viride GZ1, which was characterized by particularly high pectinolytic activity. Using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques, and viscosity measurements we showed that three-month incubation of polylactide and polyethylene terephthalate in the presence of the fungus lead to significant changes of the surface of polylactide. Further, to gain insight into molecular mechanisms underneath the biodegradation process, western blot hybridization was used to show that in the presence of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in laboratory conditions the fungus produced hydrophobin proteins. The mycelium adhered to the plastic surface, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, possibly due to the presence of hydrophobins. Further, using atomic force microscopy we demonstrated for the first time the formation of hydrophobin film on the surface of aliphatic polylactide (PLA) and PET by T. viride GZ1. This is the first stage of research that will be continued under environmental conditions, potentially leading to a practical application.

Myco-remediation of plastic pollution: current knowledge and future prospects

“… Nepenthes ampullaria Malaysia PU Zone of clearance in medium after 2–3 weeks of incubation Lii et al ( 2017 ) Clonostachys rosea , Trichoderma sp. Arctic soil Norway PCL Weight loss, morphological changes Urbanek et al ( 2017 ) Candida tropicalis Culture Malaysia LDPE, SBP Weight loss, morphological changes, biofilm formation Zahari et al ( 2021 ) Trichoderma viride GZ1 NM Poland PLA, PET Hydrophobin production, chemical and morphological changes after 3 months of incubation Dąbrowska et al ( 2021 ) Absidia sp., Actinomucor elegans , Aspergillus fumigatus, Aureobasidium pullulans, Bjerkandera adusta, Cladosporium subcinereum, Fusarium sp., Mortierella sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma harzianum Agricultural soil Slovakia PLA, PHB and PLA/PHB blend polymers Weight loss after 1 year of mineralization Jeszeová et al ( 2018 ) Engyodontium album MTP091 (SF1), Pencillium sp. MTP093 (SF3), Phanerochaete chrysosporium NCIM 1170 (SF2) Soil ( E. album , Pencillium sp.…”

Biodegradability Study of Modified Chitosan Films with Cinnamic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Soil

“…Previous studies and reports have indicated the role and mechanism of action of Trichoderma spp. in the degradation of multiple polymers, such as polycaprolactone, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactide and even chitosan-based films modified with tannic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, polymers with newer and more beneficial modifications are continuously being developed and need to be tested for biodegradation before their application.…”

Application Potential of Trichoderma in the Degradation of Phenolic Acid-Modified Chitosan

“…Polymer degradation is a complex process involving physical, chemical, and biological factors [9]. Undoubtedly, microorganisms producing hydrolytic enzymes contribute to their biodegradation [8,[10][11][12]]. Fungi, for example, Pseudozyma japonica Y7-09 and Trichoderma viride 99, degraded polycaprolactone (PCL) [13,14], Clitocybe sp.…”

“…belong to the Ascomycota, which are the most numerous species of fungi in almost all temperate and tropical soils. They are characterized by rapid growth, abundant sporulation, and the production of several hydrolytic enzymes [11,19].…”