Cutinase as a Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution through Enzymatic Plastic Degradation

Author : Bhavya Makwana, Dr. Anjisha Maharshi

Abstract : Plastic pollution has emerged as critical global environmental issue due to massive increase in plastic production, exceeding 431 million metric tons annually, with only 20–25% of plastic is recycled. Traditional plastic waste management methods, including physical and chemical recycling, are often inefficient, and energy-intensive. In this context, enzymatic biodegradation using microbial enzymes such as cutinase offers promising eco-friendly alternative. Present study focuses on the isolation, screening, production, and characterization of cutinase-producing fungi from plastic-contaminated environments. Total 16 fungi isolates were obtained from plastic waste samples collected at dumping sites, out of which 7 isolates showed positive activity on Rhodamine-B agar, indicating potential polyester-degrading capability. Morphological characterization suggested that the dominant isolates belonged to Aspergillus and Penicillium species. The selected isolates were subjected to enzyme production using czapek-dox medium supplemented with nylon and PVC as carbon sources under static fermentation conditions. Cutinase activity was confirmed using p-nitrophenyl butyrate assay, demonstrating hydrolytic activity through release of p-nitrophenol. Enzyme purification was performed using column chromatography, and SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a protein band of approximately ~38 kDa, confirming the presence of cutinase. Optimization studies indicated that enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 20–25°C and pH range of 7–9, with metal ions influencing enzymatic performance at 1 mM concentration. Among the isolates, VS5, BV1, and UK1 showed significant enzyme production and activity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of fungal derived cutinase as effective biocatalyst for plastic degradation. The findings contribute to development of sustainable and ecofriendly strategies for managing plastic waste through enzymatic approaches.

Keywords : Biodegradation, Cutinase, Enzyme, Fungi, Plastic.

Conference Name : International Conference on Plastic Degradation Pathways and Chemical Transformation (ICPDPCT-26)

Conference Place : Ahmedabad, India

Conference Date : 11th Apr 2026