Gut Microbiome and Degradation Product Formation during Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene by Mealworm Larvae under Different Feeding Strategies

Molecules

Ida Elizabeth Berggreen¹  Milena Corredig²  Emmanouil Tsochatzis²  Francesca Tedeschi³  Konstantina Ntrallou⁴  Helen Gika⁴ 

[1] Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Foulum, 8830 Viborg, Denmark;Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;FoodOmicsGR Research Infrastructure, AUTh Node, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;

关键词: biodegradation of polystyrene (PS);    insects;    Tenebrio molitor larvae;    gut microbiome;    degradation compounds;   

DOI  :  10.3390/molecules26247568

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic polymer extensively used for food packaging. PS is difficult to decompose and has low recycling rates, resulting in its accumulation in the environment, in the form of microplastic particles causing pollution and harming oceans and wildlife. Degradation of PS by mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) has been suggested as a possible biological strategy for plastic contamination; however, the biodegradation mechanism of PS by mealworms is poorly understood. It is hypothesized that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the degradation of PS by mealworms. This study carried out a comparative analysis of the gut microbiome of Tenebrio molitor larvae under different feeding strategies, and of the formation of degradation compounds (monomers, oligomers). A diet of bran:PS at 4:1 and 20:1 ratios was tested. The diet with the low ratio of bran:PS led to the presence of higher amounts of these compounds, compared to that with the high ratio. In addition, it was demonstrated that the addition of H₂O significantly improved the biodegradation of PS monomer and oligomer residues, which could be identified only in the frass. The protein and nitrogen contents in insects’ biomass and frass varied amongst treatments. The diets resulted in differences in the gut microbiota, and three potential bacterial strains were identified as candidates involved in the biodegradation of PS.

【 授权许可】

Unknown