A Green Alliance: Evaluating the Synergistic Dynamics of PETase Expression and Plant-Microbe Interactions in Enhancing Microplastic Degradation Pathways in S. alterniflora

Overview

Microplastics, originating from various sources, threaten ecosystems such as the Gulf of Mexico, where they accumulate in food chains and impact vast wildlife & humans. On the other hand, microorganisms equipped with enzymes like PETase offer a promising solution for breaking down plastics into less harmful components. Current plant-microbe symbiotic relationships continue to host this bioremediation, but degradation rates are largely ineffective. Wetlands, functioning as natural filters before particles reach larger water bodies, such as oceans, provide a perfect environment for such interactions. This experiment delves into how these relationships can help tackle the microplastic crisis. 44 bacterial species were isolated from Spartina alterniflora, a resilient grass species native to the Galveston Wetlands, with six bacteria showing PETase activity in a PET microplastic-infiltrated environment, the common type of plastic found in many plastic containers. Virtual simulations were used to modify genes to create optimal conditions with high Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations for PETase activity within the rhizosphere of S. Alterniflora. In silico predictions showed that the engineered transporters could increase root-zone Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations by over 5-fold. These predicted ion levels were then replicated in laboratory assays to test their effect on PETase activity, which revealed a 52% increase in degradation of PET microplastics in three-week laboratory tests. Additionally, plant health and structural integrity of the ion-treated plants were maintained, demonstrating that introduced concentrations did not negatively hinder plant growth. These findings exhibit the potential of enhanced wetland plants as a natural, sustainable solution for microplastic pollution

Competition history

• ISEF 2025 Plant Sciences · Entry PLNT050T

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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