Cristina América Morando-Grijalva

Mrs. Cristina América Morando-Grijalva


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 April 2025 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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CMCristina América Morando-Grijalva
Cristina América Morando-Grijalva
ARAna Ramos-Díaz
Ana Ramos-Díaz
Angel H. Cabrera-RamírezAngel H. Cabrera-Ramírez
Angel H. Cabrera-Ramírez
Juan Carlos Cuevas-BernardinoJuan Carlos Cuevas-Bernardino
Juan Carlos Cuevas-Bernardino
Soledad Pech Pech-CohuoSoledad Pech Pech-Cohuo
Soledad Pech Pech-Cohuo
Neith PachecoNeith Pacheco
Neith Pacheco
(1) Background: Plastic contamination is on the rise, despite ongoing research focused on alternatives such as bioplastics. However, most bioplastics require specific conditions to biodegrade. A promising alternative involves using microorganisms isolated from landfill soils that have demonstrated the ability to degrade plastic materials. (2) Methods: Soil samples were collected, and bacteria were isolated, characterized, and molecularly identified. Their degradative capacity was evaluated using the zone of clearing method, while their qualitative and structural degradative activity was assessed in a liquid medium on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films prepared by the cast method. (3) Results: Three strains—Bacillus cereus CHU4R, Acinetobacter baumannii YUCAN, and Pseudomonas otitidis YUC44—were selected. These strains exhibited the ability to cause severe damage to the microscopic surface of the films, attack the ester bonds within the PBS structure, and degrade lower-weight PBS molecules during the process. (4) Conclusions: this study represents the first report of strains isolated in Yucatán with plastic degradation activity. The microorganisms demonstrated the capacity to degrade PBS films by causing surface and structural damage at the molecular level. These findings suggest that the strains could be applied as an alternative in plastic biodegradation.