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Advances in Materials Research Volume 15, Number 3, August 2026 (Special Issue) pages 271-281 📚 VSI DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/amr.2026.15.3.05 |
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Fungal-mediated degradation of modified polypropylene film by Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album: A multi-analytical approach |
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Amira Farzana Samat, Ali Abbas, Dee Carter, Adilah Anuar,
Norhidayah Abd Aziz, Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi
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| Abstract | ||
| The escalating global production of synthetic petrochemical-based plastics poses severe environmental challenges, with their resistance to degradation causing widespread accumulation in landfills and oceans. Traditional recycling methods prove insufficient, necessitating innovative solutions. This study targets polypropylene (PP), a widely used but has lower recycling rates compared to other commodity plastics. Employing a bio-based strategy, the research explores the potential of Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album for PP degradation. Fungi, with their enzymatic capabilities, present a promising avenue for breaking down PP. The investigation pioneers the exploration of untested fungi for PP degradation, elucidating the degradation mechanism and end-product formation. Through targeted microorganism selection and pre-treatment strategies, UV and heat were identified as effective enhancers of enzymatic degradation, particularly for PP film. A. terreus and E. album fungi successfully degraded treated PP film, confirmed through chemical, thermal, and morphological analyses. These efforts hold potential for significantly improving PP degradation and offer insights into optimising processes, thereby contributing to a more sustainable approach to plastic waste management and holding broader implications for addressing the degradation of other synthetic polymers. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| Aspergillus terreus; biodegradation; Engyodontium album; fungi; heat pre-treatment; polypropylene; UV pre-treatment | ||
| Address | ||
| Amira Farzana Samat, Adilah Anuar, Norhidayah Abd Aziz, Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia Ali Abbas: School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Dee Carter: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia | ||
