The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Early-Stage Biodegradation Behavior of Polycaprolactone by Pseudozyma sp. GYP Isolated from Rice Rhizosphere Soil
ID:524 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 18:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 15 - Marine Micro- and Nano-Plastics: Novel Methods, Environmental Fate and Ecological Effects

Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge because of the persistent accumulation of plastic waste in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Although various physical and chemical recycling technologies have been developed, microbial biodegradation represents one of the most sustainable long-term strategies for reducing the environmental persistence of plastic waste. Identification of plastic-degrading microorganisms is therefore an essential step toward developing effective biodegradation technologies. In this study, microorganisms capable of degrading plastics were isolated from rice rhizosphere soil collected from a paddy field in Goyang-si, Republic of Korea. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was used as a model polymer to screen plastic-degrading microorganisms and characterize the biodegradation properties of the isolated strain. A total of 13 isolates exhibiting clear zones on PCL-containing agar were obtained, and secondary screening using PCL films identified Pseudozyma sp. GYP as the only isolate capable of visibly degrading PCL films. The early-stage biodegradation characteristics of Pseudozyma sp. GYP were investigated with a particular focus on microbial attachment, biofilm formation, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, extracellular hydrolytic activity, and extracellular protein secretion. These findings provide fundamental insight into the early stages of microbial plastic biodegradation and provide a foundation for developing microbial approaches to mitigate plastic pollution.
 
Speaker
Yunji Choi Pusan National University

Author
Yunji Choi Pusan National University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027