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Bioinspired single-atom nanozymes for microplastic degradation
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Researchers designed copper single-atom nanozymes inspired by natural laccase enzymes and tested their ability to degrade microplastics. The bioinspired catalysts mineralized more than 90% of microplastic material into non-toxic products. The study presents a promising new strategy for addressing microplastic pollution using engineered nanoscale catalysts.
Copper single-atom-loaded graphitic nitride nanozymes (Cu SAs) were constructed by bioinspired rational design from natural laccase and density functional theory calculations. Theoretical investigation revealed the geometrical and electronic structural advantages of the Cu-N active center. Experimental tests confirmed the excellent performance in microplastic degradation, with more than 90% mineralized into non-toxic products, providing a new strategy for microplastic pollution management.
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Scientists developed a surface-based system combining a natural enzyme (laccase) with metal ions to generate reactive oxygen species that can break down common plastic polymers including polyethylene and PET. This enzyme-metal synergy offers a promising approach to degrading persistent microplastics in the environment using relatively low-energy, biologically inspired chemistry.
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Researchers developed a novel nanozyme that mimics the natural enzyme laccase by using graphdiyne to create a three-dimensional structure with copper nanoparticles. The resulting nanozyme achieved enzymatic activity 4.72 times higher than natural laccase and demonstrated applications in both chemical sensing and microplastic degradation, offering a new approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Enhanced degradation of microplastics by laccase under ambient conditions: Analysis of underlying molecular mechanisms
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This study demonstrated that the enzyme laccase can degrade three types of microplastics — polyethylene (PE), PET, and PLA — by breaking apart polymer chains and transforming surface chemical groups, with biodegradable PLA showing the highest degradation efficiency. The mechanistic insights into how reactive oxygen species and electron transfer drive enzymatic degradation provide a foundation for developing enzyme-based treatments to remove microplastics from water and soil.
Environmental impact and mitigation of micro(nano)plastics pollution using green catalytic tools and green analytical methods
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Researchers reviewed the growing problem of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment, then assessed enzyme-based strategies for breaking them down, finding that enzymes specifically targeting plastic polymer structures offer a promising, sustainable approach to degradation, especially when stabilized on nanomaterials to extend their activity.
Catalytic and biocatalytic degradation of microplastics
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This review covers the current state of breaking down microplastics using catalysts and biological agents including enzymes, metals, nanomaterials, and microorganisms. While some approaches show promise for degrading certain plastic types, the field is still developing standardized methods for measuring how well these techniques work. Finding effective ways to break down microplastics is critical for reducing the environmental and health burden of plastic pollution.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.