Degradation from hydrocarbons to synthetic plastics: the roles and biotechnological potential of the versatile Alcanivorax in the marine blue circular economy

Alcanivorax bacteria are among the most important hydrocarbon degraders in the ocean. Previous studies have focused mainly on the degradation processes of hydrocarbons and assessments of their roles and contributions to marine hydrocarbon and carbon cycles. Recently, studies on their involvement in the degradation of synthetic plastics are constantly emerging. Therefore, on the basis of a brief review of the research progress on the phylogeny, classification, ecology and hydrocarbon degradation of Alcanivorax, this review focuses on their participation in the degradation of synthetic plastics in marine environments, including their occurrence among plastispheres and the degradation characteristics of various plastics caused by themselves and their enzymes. In addition, the application potential of esterases derived from Alcanivorax for recycling bio-based polyester plastic waste, such as PLA and PHB, is also discussed. Given the currently known excellent hydrolysing ability of esterases derived from Alcanivorax on bio-based polyester plastic, as well as the existence of a wide variety of understudied esterases in their genomes, it is reasonable to assume that Alcanivorax and its enzymes are expected to play important roles in the future recycling of bio-based polyester plastic waste. Overall, this review provides a reference for evaluating the biotechnological potential of Alcanivorax and its enzymes in the marine blue circular economy and their roles in promoting sustainable management and protection of the marine environment.