Desafios e avanços na degradação biológica de plásticos: uma revisão sistemática integrativa

Abstract

Currently, polymers are widely used in various sectors, including consumer and industrial applications, playing an essential role in everyday human life. Since the early 20th century, research involving polymeric materials, both synthetic and natural, has expanded knowledge about their properties, driving technological advancements and revealing a wide range of applications for this type of material. However, the high consumption of synthetic polymers generates large amounts of waste, with low recycling rates and significant environmental impact. Global initiatives and the promotion of sustainable practices seek solutions to mitigate these effects, highlighting the importance of environmental education and the development of biodegradable materials. The biodegradation of plastics presents itself as a promising alternative, with research focused on accelerating their decomposition to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. This study addresses the challenges and advances in the biological degradation of plastics through a systematic integrative review, analyzing techniques and methods related to the action of microorganisms and specific enzymes within the time frame of 2015 to 2023. Data were collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the keywords "Degradation," "Plastic," and "Microbial" in studies conducted in China, the United States, and Brazil. The research also included a search for patents filed with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The findings reveal a growing academic and technological interest in sustainable solutions, highlighting the potential of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts in the decomposition of widely used polymers such as PET, PE, and PS. The analyzed studies also indicate that microbial consortia and enzymes promote the depolymerization and mineralization of waste. However, challenges persist for the practical application of biodegradation, such as the need for pretreatments and process adaptation on a large scale. On the other hand, the use of biodegradable plastics, which decompose more rapidly when combined with microbial action, also proves to be a promising approach, promoting pollution reduction and greater economic circularity. The study concludes that investments in research and public policies are essential to transform waste management and foster the development of viable biotechnological technologies.