ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

Bio-plastics like polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) are seen as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. However, their degradation remains limited under natural environmental conditions, particularly at low to moderate temperatures. In this study, we report that new strain, Aquincola sp. JJY07, isolated from eggplant rhizosphere soil, can degrade PCL and PHB efficiently under mild saline conditions. When cultured in marine broth containing 2% NaCl, strain JJY07 achieved near-complete degradation of PCL within 8 days and PHB within 15 days. Degradation was confirmed through GPC, FTIR, and SEM analyses, which indicated polymer chain breakdown, disruption of chemical bonds, and surface erosion. Strong bacterial attachment to the bio-plastic surface was also observed, suggesting early colonization that likely supports localized enzymatic activity. Beyond its plastic degrading ability, strain JJY07 also exhibited plant growth promoting activity by producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and solubilizing phosphate, highlighting its potential as a biofertilizer. These findings mark the first report of plant growth-promoting activity within this genus. Since Aquincola currently includes only three recognized species, the discovery of JJY07 adds meaningful insight into its ecological role. This dual capability to break down bio-plastics and support plant health, JJY07 shows strong potential for use in sustainable agriculture and bio-plastic waste management, especially in environments affected by salinity and plastic contamination. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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