Biodegradation of PET by Deep-Sea <i>Pseudomonas chengduensis</i> BC1815 through Utilization of Ethylene Glycol Monomer for Growth

An important environmental issue is the pollution caused by poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and the emitted monomers terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). The TPA biodegradation pathway has been well documented for the microbial biodegradation and assimilation of PET; however, the PET biodegradation process by marine microorganisms via the EG biodegradation pathway is less understood. Here, we demonstrate how the marine bacteria <i>Pseudomonas chengduensis</i> BC1815's membrane-anchored PET esterase (OF113_10420) breaks down PET. We also explain the characteristics of this enzyme and demonstrate that the strain assimilates PET via the EG biodegradation pathway. In addition to depolymerizing PET, PET esterase (OF113_10420) hydrolyzes BHET and MHET to generate EG more efficiently in alkaline circumstances. It has been discovered that <i>P. chengduensis</i> BC1815 cells exhibiting surface-displayed PET esterase (OF113_10420) have the potential to function as cell biocatalysts for the breakdown of PET. Additionally, we look into the microbial communities that have PET esterase linked to the EG biodegradation pathway, primarily those belonging to the phyla <i>Proteobacteria</i> and <i>Actinobacteriota</i>. Consequently, research on the microbial absorption and biodegradation of PET via the EG metabolism route increases our knowledge of the bioremediation of PET pollution in the marine environment and contributes to our understanding of the environmental destiny of PET pollutants in the marine environment.