Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) waste presents a major environmental concern due to its high and widespread use. This study explores the potential of fungal mycelium as a bioremediation solution for LLDPE degradation, by evaluating on mycelial growth efficiency, ligninolytic enzyme activity,...
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2025-05-01
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| author | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Kingkarn Ratanapong Thanaporn Promjaidee Orlavanh Xayyavong Sinang Hongsanan Saisamorn Lumyong |
| author_facet | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Kingkarn Ratanapong Thanaporn Promjaidee Orlavanh Xayyavong Sinang Hongsanan Saisamorn Lumyong |
| author_sort | Worawoot Aiduang |
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| description | Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) waste presents a major environmental concern due to its high and widespread use. This study explores the potential of fungal mycelium as a bioremediation solution for LLDPE degradation, by evaluating on mycelial growth efficiency, ligninolytic enzyme activity, weight loss, surface morphology changes, and economic feasibility. Among the tested fungal species, <i>Schizophyllum commune</i> WE032, <i>Lentinus sajor-caju</i> TBRC6266, and <i>Trametes flavida</i> AM011, <i>S. commune</i> demonstrated the most vigorous mycelial expansion (20.53 mm/day) and highest biomass accumulation (276.87 mg). Screening for ligninolytic enzymes revealed significant laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity in all three species indicating their potential in polymer degradation. Weight loss analysis showed that <i>S. commune</i> achieved the greatest LLDPE degradation (1.182% after 30 days), highlighting its enzymatic and metabolic efficiency in breaking down synthetic polymers. Surface morphology studies supported these findings, revealing substantial erosion was observed in LLDPE sheets treated with <i>S. commune</i> and <i>L. sajor-caju</i>, confirming their effectiveness in polymer disruption. FTIR analysis indicated the formation of new functional groups and alterations in the carbon backbone, suggesting active depolymerization processes. Economic evaluation demonstrated that fungal biodegradation is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy, aligning with circular economy principles by enabling the generation of value-added products from plastic waste. Additionally, fungal-based waste treatment aligns with circular economy principles, generating value-added products while mitigating plastic pollution. These findings highlight fungal mycelium’s potential for plastic waste management, advocating for further research on optimizing growth conditions, enhancing enzyme expression, and scaling industrial applications. Future research will focus on integrating fungal bioremediation with biomass residues from agricultural and forestry sectors, offering a comprehensive solution for waste management and environmental sustainability. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-20fd482b68cb4ac8aab8a79e6e0884fa |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-20fd482b68cb4ac8aab8a79e6e0884fa2025-08-20T02:34:01ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-05-0115575510.3390/life15050755Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic ImpactsWorawoot Aiduang0Kritsana Jatuwong1Kingkarn Ratanapong2Thanaporn Promjaidee3Orlavanh Xayyavong4Sinang Hongsanan5Saisamorn Lumyong6Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandOffice of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandYupparaj Wittayalai School, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandYupparaj Wittayalai School, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandShenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, ChinaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandLinear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) waste presents a major environmental concern due to its high and widespread use. This study explores the potential of fungal mycelium as a bioremediation solution for LLDPE degradation, by evaluating on mycelial growth efficiency, ligninolytic enzyme activity, weight loss, surface morphology changes, and economic feasibility. Among the tested fungal species, <i>Schizophyllum commune</i> WE032, <i>Lentinus sajor-caju</i> TBRC6266, and <i>Trametes flavida</i> AM011, <i>S. commune</i> demonstrated the most vigorous mycelial expansion (20.53 mm/day) and highest biomass accumulation (276.87 mg). Screening for ligninolytic enzymes revealed significant laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity in all three species indicating their potential in polymer degradation. Weight loss analysis showed that <i>S. commune</i> achieved the greatest LLDPE degradation (1.182% after 30 days), highlighting its enzymatic and metabolic efficiency in breaking down synthetic polymers. Surface morphology studies supported these findings, revealing substantial erosion was observed in LLDPE sheets treated with <i>S. commune</i> and <i>L. sajor-caju</i>, confirming their effectiveness in polymer disruption. FTIR analysis indicated the formation of new functional groups and alterations in the carbon backbone, suggesting active depolymerization processes. Economic evaluation demonstrated that fungal biodegradation is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy, aligning with circular economy principles by enabling the generation of value-added products from plastic waste. Additionally, fungal-based waste treatment aligns with circular economy principles, generating value-added products while mitigating plastic pollution. These findings highlight fungal mycelium’s potential for plastic waste management, advocating for further research on optimizing growth conditions, enhancing enzyme expression, and scaling industrial applications. Future research will focus on integrating fungal bioremediation with biomass residues from agricultural and forestry sectors, offering a comprehensive solution for waste management and environmental sustainability.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/5/755fungal bioremediationLLDPE plasticmycelium applicationsustainable waste managementSDG 11 and 15 |
| spellingShingle | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Kingkarn Ratanapong Thanaporn Promjaidee Orlavanh Xayyavong Sinang Hongsanan Saisamorn Lumyong Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts Life fungal bioremediation LLDPE plastic mycelium application sustainable waste management SDG 11 and 15 |
| title | Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts |
| title_full | Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts |
| title_fullStr | Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts |
| title_full_unstemmed | Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts |
| title_short | Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts |
| title_sort | breaking down linear low density polyethylene lldpe using fungal mycelium part a a path towards sustainable waste management and its possible economic impacts |
| topic | fungal bioremediation LLDPE plastic mycelium application sustainable waste management SDG 11 and 15 |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/5/755 |
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