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Plastic degradation by enzymatic methods
Summary
Scientists found a way to help special enzymes break down PET plastic (the material in water bottles and polyester clothing) much more efficiently by giving it a gentle pre-treatment first—like softening it up before the enzymes get to work. This matters because it could lead to better recycling methods that actually break plastic down into reusable building blocks instead of letting it pile up in landfills or break into the microplastics that end up in our water, food, and bodies.
This doctoral thesis by Sariah Giraldo Narcizo addresses the global challenge of plastic pollution, focusing on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used material in packaging and textiles. Despite its recyclability, massive production and accumulation contribute to severe environmental issues, aggravated by the release of microplastics. Enzymatic degradation emerges as a sustainable alternative to conventional recycling methods, with PETase and its engineered variants showing promising results. Two experimental studies were conducted: the first demonstrated that mild alkaline pretreatment at room temperature reduced PET crystallinity, enhancing enzymatic accessibility and increasing monomer production tenfold. The second study analyzed mixed textiles (cotton/PET), comparing NaOH, natural sunlight, and ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) pretreatments. Results revealed that UVO pretreatment synergized with PETase activity, promoting selective PET breakdown while preserving cotton fibers. Overall, this research highlights the potential of integrating gentle pretreatments with biotechnology to advance circular economy models and develop sustainable strategies for plastic waste management.