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Novel biocatalyst for sustainable plastic removal
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Scientists identified and characterized a naturally occurring enzyme (LipMRD9, discovered via metagenomic mining) that can break down PET plastic—the polymer used in bottles and clothing—under mild conditions. Enzyme-based biodegradation is a promising strategy for tackling plastic pollution at scale without generating toxic byproducts. Finding new PET-degrading enzymes in environmental microbiomes broadens the toolkit available for bioremediation of plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics.
Plastic pollution, particularly from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), represents one of the most pressing global environmental challenges of our time. PET, widely used in packaging and textiles, is resistant to natural degradation, contributing significantly to microplastic accumulation in ecosystems. Recent advances in metagenomics have enabled the discovery of novel PET-degrading enzymes, while computational and experimental techniques have been instrumental in identifying key residues that enhance catalytic efficiency and substrate specificity. In this work, we present the characterization of PETase activity in the metagenomic lipase LipMRD9, which demonstrates significant potential for PET biodegradation.
More Papers Like This
Novel biocatalyst for sustainable plastic removal
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This is a duplicate entry for the same metagenomic PET-degrading enzyme paper as ID 1755, describing the characterization of LipMRD9 as a novel biocatalyst for breaking down PET plastics. Duplicate entry; the core finding is that this enzyme offers a biodegradable pathway for plastic waste, potentially reducing microplastic generation at the source.
Recent advances in screening and identification of PET-degrading enzymes
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Researchers reviewed recent advances in discovering and engineering enzymes capable of breaking down PET plastic, one of the most widely produced and persistent plastic types. They examined screening methods including metagenomic mining and machine learning approaches that have accelerated the identification of promising PET-degrading enzymes. The study suggests that enzymatic recycling could become a viable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional PET disposal methods.
Plastic degradation by enzymatic methods
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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.
Marine PET Hydrolase (PET2): Assessment of Terephthalate- and Indole-Based Polyesters Depolymerization
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Researchers characterized a marine enzyme (PET2) capable of breaking down PET plastic and related polyester materials under relatively mild conditions. Discovering and engineering enzymes that can degrade PET could help address the massive accumulation of PET microplastics in ocean environments.
An archaeal lid-containing feruloyl-esterase degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
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This study identified the first archaeal enzyme capable of degrading PET plastic, characterizing its structure and biochemical properties. Expanding the diversity of organisms with PET-degrading enzymes could accelerate the development of biological strategies for breaking down the microplastics contaminating marine and terrestrial environments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.