The mechanisms of biodegradation depend on the type of nanomaterial: - Enzymatic Degradation: Enzymes produced by microorganisms break down the chemical bonds in the nanomaterial. - Hydrolytic Degradation: Water penetration leads to hydrolysis, breaking down the nanomaterial into smaller components. - Oxidative Degradation: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can oxidize nanomaterials, leading to their degradation.
