9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 12:00
Room: 301
Presenter(s): Micaela Robson
Title: Role of Bacillus subtilis in Polyester Degradation
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Mathews , Biology

Clothing hosts thousands of different bacteria. Bacterial communities from unworn and worn polyester garments were compared by 16 S rDNA sequencing; 10 Bacillus species were shared on both sample types. These bacteria were isolated and grown on media containing the polyester chemicals Hydroperm T and Polyethylene Glycol 1450. Results demonstrate that many of the bacillus strains can grow on each component with the addition of artificial sweat. These findings suggest the bacteria can metabolize polyester. Several enzymes are necessary for the polyester degradation including an esterase. An esterase was identified in B. subtilis and was recombinantly expressed and characterized.