Prof. Dr. M. Ishtiaq Ali

Department of Microbiology,
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Short Bio: 

Keynote Topic: Biodegradation of plastics: An Ecofriendly waste management approach

Plastics are high molecular weight polymers. Considering the increasing load in the environment, biodegradation of plastics by microorganisms and enzymes seems to be the most effective process. Oxidative enzymes play significant role in biodegradation of recalcitrant materials. Fungi are important among microorganisms for the production of extracellular enzymes. Limited production and slow release of the particular enzymes are the limiting factor.  The study was aimed for enhanced production, molecular characterization of oxidoreductases for plastic biodegradation. Molecular examination as well as the heterologous expression of ligninolytic enzymes i.e. laccase and lignin peroxidase were carried out. These enzymes are mainly produced under nutrient starved condition i.e. carbon or nitrogen limited medium. Microscopic examination of these enzymes producing organism showed that they are filamentous, coenocytic, aseptate and spore producing organisms. An experiment was set up by adding the PVC polymer in the MSM media and inoculating the respective enzymes after screening and purification. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of enzyme treated plastic films revealed the structural changes as compared to control (without enzyme treatment). Enzyme assay of both enzymes such as laccase and lignin peroxidase were carried out with vertryl alcohol and DMP as substrates. Current study results suggested, that Microorganisms have the potential for biodegradability of recalcitrant plastic waste and can be used for bioremediation at large scale

Keywords: Biodegradability, Lignin peroxidase, FTIR