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What is the plate screening method for HDPE-degrading microorganisms?

We've collected samples from a plastic dump site and want to quickly screen hundreds of isolates for HDPE degradation potential. Broth methods are too slow for initial screening. I need a proven agar plate method where HDPE is incorporated, allowing us to visually select colonies showing clear zones or surface changes for further study.

 

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By Komal Answered 2 years ago

The most straightforward plate method I've used involves creating a mineral salts agar base and incorporating finely powdered HDPE (sterilized by UV) at about 1-2% w/v. You need to stir vigorously while cooling to keep it suspended. Streak or spread your environmental suspension. Look for two things over 4-8 weeks: a clear hydrolysis zone around colonies, or more commonly for HDPE, a visible change in the opacity of the embedded powder directly beneath the colony, indicating surface erosion. I would recommend including a positive control like Ideonella sakaiensis (for PET) on a separate PET-emulsified plate to validate your assay's sensitivity.

 

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