Microbial enzyme power: Breaking down microplastics for a cleaner planet

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a major global concern due to its persistence, mobility, and harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Their small size, large surface area, and hydrophobic nature allow microplastics to adsorb toxic chemicals and accumulate across food chains. Conventional removal methods are often inefficient, which has increased interest in biological degradation. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, synthesize enzymes that can alter, depolymerize, and mineralize various plastic polymers. This review examines the current understanding of microbial and enzymatic degradation of major microplastics, including PE, PET, PS, PP, and PVC. We summarize the main enzymes that are involved, how they break down, and what affects their activity. We summarize the main enzymes that are involved, how they break down, and what affects their activity. The review also highlights knowledge gaps, particularly regarding metabolic pathways and enzyme–polymer interactions. Microbial and enzyme-based approaches show promise as sustainable strategies for microplastic remediation, but further research is needed to improve degradation efficiency and applicability under environmental conditions.