Modifications to surface chemistry and nanotopography of poly(ethylene terephthalate) by marine bacteria

The surface chemistry and nanotopography of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was successfully modified by marine bacteria, indicating the initial stages of biodegradation. PET surfaces became rougher relative to the control surfaces in the presence of bacterial communities regardless of whether they were primarily phototrophic or heterotrophic. Only surfaces exposed to primarily heterotrophic bacteria, however, changed significantly in surface chemistry; these samples showed a decrease in oxygen groups across the surface. The results seem to indicate two different mechanisms of PET degradation depending on whether the bacterial community is primarily phototrophic or heterotrophic.