Yale-Identified Fungus Degrades Polyurethane Under Anaerobic Conditions

A unique fungal species, Pestalotiopsis microspora, discovered in the Amazon rainforest, possesses the remarkable ability to break down polyurethane, a common and persistent type of plastic. This discovery, originally made by Yale University researchers in the 2010s, is particularly significant because the fungus can perform this degradation even in oxygen-free environments, such as buried landfills. As stated in a recent social media post by Massimo, "> Scientists found a fungus in the Amazon called Pestalotiopsis microspora that literally snacks on plastic."

The fungus, an endophytic species, was found to subsist entirely on polyurethane as its sole carbon source. This capability is attributed to the secretion of a serine hydrolase enzyme, which initiates the breakdown of the polymer's ester bonds. The critical aspect of P. microspora's activity lies in its effectiveness under anaerobic conditions, a metabolic trait rarely observed in other known plastic-degrading organisms. This characteristic makes it an ideal candidate for bioremediation efforts in environments where oxygen is scarce, such as deep within landfills or submerged in aquatic ecosystems.

Traditional methods of plastic waste management, like landfilling, often fail to decompose materials due to the lack of oxygen. The unique anaerobic degradation capability of P. microspora offers a promising biological solution to this global environmental challenge. Researchers are exploring its potential for large-scale bioremediation projects, including the possibility of genetically modifying its enzymes to enhance degradation efficiency further.

While Pestalotiopsis microspora was first described in 1880, its plastic-degrading properties were only identified relatively recently. This finding has spurred further research into mycoremediation, highlighting fungi's broader role in breaking down complex polymers. The continued study of such organisms could provide innovative and eco-friendly strategies for tackling the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution worldwide.