Genetic analysis of low-density polyethylene degrading bacteria from plastic dump sites

Objective: The principle goal of this examination is to screen bacteria having the ability to debase Low density polyethylene. Bacteria were disengaged from different plastic dump locales. Methods: The secludes acquired were screened for their capacity to use polyethylene as sole carbon source in the mineral salt medium (MSM). Among the isolated strains, Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens could able to utilize Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) as carbon source. Further to the preliminary screening, gene specific primers for alkane monooxygenase was synthesized and gradient PCR was performed to determine the presence of alkane monooxygenase gene in the bacterial isolates. Results: Among the four bacteria selected, three bacteria such as Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens could able to express ALKB gene. Hence, those two bacteria may produce the key enzyme alkane monoxygenase, which is a crucial enzyme for the biotransformation of many xenobiotic compounds including LDPE. Conclusion: From this investigation it is inferred that organisms local to soil can possibly degradeplastic with proper method of time. Keywords: Low density polyethylene; Biodegradation; Bacteria; alkane monoxygenase; invitro Biodegradation assay