China Plastics ›› 2025, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (10): 105-112.DOI: 10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2025.10.017

• Plastic and Environment • Previous Articles    

Progress in biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate⁃co⁃terephthalate)

PANG Yue, FU Ye(), WENG Yunxuan   

  1. School of Light Industry Science and Engineering,Beijing Technology and Business University,Beijing 100048,China
  • Received:2024-10-28 Online:2025-10-26 Published:2025-10-21

Abstract:

The urgent need to control global plastic pollution has driven the vigorous development of biodegradable plastics as a solution to prevent waste at the source. Poly(butylene adipate⁃co⁃terephthalate) (PBAT), renowned for its flexibility, impact resistance, and biodegradability, has emerged as one of the most widely used polymers in this class. It is extensively applied in producing biodegradable films, packaging materials, and disposable tableware. This review comprehensively summarizes the current progress in PBAT biodegradation. The known microbial strains and enzymes capable of degrading PBAT were categorized, and their respective degradation efficiencies were evaluated. The key environmental and material factors influencing the degradation rate were discussed, and the underlying microbial mechanisms were elucidated. Finally, critical challenges and future directions were addressed, including the need for standardized evaluation methods, the development of specialized microbial consortia, and the exploration of efficient enzymatic systems for large⁃scale bioremediation applications.

Key words: poly(butylene adipate terephthalate), biodegradation, degrading bacteria, enzymes

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