Extraction of Plasmid from Low-density Polyethylene degrading Bacterium and its Transformation into E. coli DH5a

By : N. K Kotwal, R. B. Vaidya

Page No: 103-110

Abstract
Improperly disposed plastics are a significant source of environment pollution of which about 3% of plastic material is recycled while remaining remains as litter. Littering not only threatens wildlife and marine life, but also causes considerable aesthetic nuisance. The hazard of discarding waste plastics like Polyethylene, so called “white pollution”, is becoming more severe. Improper methods of disposal like burying or burning of plastic materials release harmful or toxic pollutants into the environment thereby endangering the biosphere. The persistence of plastics in landfills is adding to the growing water and surface-waste litter problems. This research was therefore initiated to isolate bacteria that can degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is among the most frequent polymers found in the solid waste generated in urban areas. A total of 18 bacterial isolates were obtained that had the ability to degrade LDPE. 16s rDNA sequencing was used to identify the isolates. Further, based on polymer degradation potential of the isolates, one isolate Pseudomonas stutzeri strain CPO 4.206 was used for extraction of plasmid. The extracted plasmid was then transformed into E. coli DH5a.

Authors :
Kotwal, N. K. and Vaidya, R. B
Department of Life Sciences, Jai Hind College Autonomous, ‘A’-Road, Churchgate, Mumbai.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2022.38.01.9