Insects for plastic biodegradation – A review

Plastic has an extended lifespan in the environment, hence presenting an enduring hazard to both humans and diverse organisms, particularly those inhabiting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional techniques for breaking down waste made of plastic, such as dumping it in landfills and using chemical procedures, have been proven to be disadvantageous and have a substantial detrimental impact on environmental sustainability. Plastics exhibit a high resistance to decomposition when left to their own devices. Polymer degradation by insects currently has no practical applicability. The concept of insects degrading plastics is widely recognized, although the precise manner in which it occurs remains incompletely understood. Moreover, the advantages of utilizing insect larvae for the decomposition of plastics involve low expenses and absence of secondary pollution. The current review offers an extensive overview of the latest research papers from 2016 to 2022 that specifically explore the disintegration of plastic by insects and microorganisms. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the processes involved in the decomposition of plastic by insects and environmental microorganisms, while also emphasizing the latest advanced viewpoints on the possible uses of plastic biodegradation, as well as challenges and future prospects in this field.