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Natural and engineered enzymes for polyester degradation: a review
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This review covers natural and engineered enzymes that can break down common plastics like PET (used in bottles), polyamide, and polyurethane. Scientists have used techniques like directed evolution and machine learning to improve these enzymes so they work faster and at higher temperatures. While not directly about health, this research is important because developing effective plastic-degrading enzymes could help reduce the microplastic and nanoplastic pollution that threatens both ecosystems and human health.
Abstract Plastic pollution is becoming a major health issue due to the recent discovery of microplastics and nanoplastics in living organisms and the environment, calling for advanced technologies to remove plastic waste. Here we review enzymes that degrade plastics with focus on plastic properties, protein engineering and polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), poly(lactic acid), polyamide and polyurethane. The mechanism of action of natural and engineered enzymes has been probed by experimental and computation approaches. The performance of polyester-degrading enzymes has been improved via directed evolution, structure-guided rational design and machine learning-aided strategies. The improved enzymes display higher stability at elevated temperatures, and tailored substrate-binding sites.
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