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Glacier as a source of novel polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases
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Researchers searched a global glacier metagenome dataset and identified 414 putative PET hydrolase sequences, with Alpine and Tibetan glacier microbiomes showing higher relative abundance than other glaciers. Glacial microorganisms represent an untapped source of novel plastic-degrading enzymes.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a major component of microplastic contamination globally, which is now detected in pristine environments including Polar and mountain glaciers. As a carbon-rich molecule, PET could be a carbon source for microorganisms dwelling in glacier habitats. Thus, glacial microorganisms may be potential PET degraders with novel PET hydrolases. Here, we obtained 414 putative PET hydrolase sequences by searching a global glacier metagenome dataset. Metagenomes from the Alps and Tibetan glaciers exhibited a higher relative abundance of putative PET hydrolases than those from the Arctic and Antarctic. Twelve putative PET hydrolase sequences were cloned and expressed, with one sequence (designated as GlacPETase) proven to degrade amorphous PET film with a similar performance as IsPETase, but with a higher thermostability. GlacPETase exhibited only 30% sequence identity to known active PET hydrolases with a novel disulphide bridge location and, therefore may represent a novel PET hydrolases class. The present work suggests that extreme carbon-poor environments may harbour a diverse range of known and novel PET hydrolases for carbon acquisition as an environmental adaptation mechanism.
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Polar Marine Microbial Communities as Reservoirs of Polyester Degrading Enzymes
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Screening of polar and non-polar marine metagenomes identified over 680 putative PET-degrading enzyme sequences, with Antarctic and Arctic candidates showing high-fidelity active site motifs and confirmed polyesterase activity at cold temperatures (14–25°C). The discovery of complete PET degradation pathways in polar microbiomes significantly expands the known diversity of plastic-degrading enzymes and their potential for bioremediation in cold marine environments.
Bacteroidetal cold-active and promiscuous esterases play a significant role in global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation
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Researchers identified new bacterial enzymes from gut-associated Bacteroidetes bacteria capable of breaking down PET plastic at cold temperatures. These cold-active plastic-degrading enzymes could be useful for developing biological solutions to plastic pollution in cold aquatic environments where microplastics accumulate.
Metagenomic insights into potential PET hydrolases from Antarctic soils and rhizospheres
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Scientists digging through Antarctic soil found microbes carrying genes for enzymes that can potentially break down PET plastic (the material used in water bottles) — and remarkably, these enzymes work in cold conditions, unlike most known plastic-eating enzymes that need warmth. This matters because it could lead to more practical, energy-efficient ways to recycle plastic waste, which is increasingly breaking down into microplastics that end up in our food, water, and bodies. That said, this is early-stage lab research — these are promising gene candidates identified through computer modeling, not yet proven plastic-eating enzymes ready for
A New PETase from the Human Saliva Metagenome and Its Functional Modification via Genetic Code Expansion in Bacteria
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Researchers discovered and engineered a new PETase enzyme from human saliva metagenome data, demonstrating its ability to break down PET plastic. Functional modifications improved its catalytic efficiency, contributing to the development of biological tools for plastic recycling.
A multi-OMIC characterisation of biodegradation and microbial community succession within the PET plastisphere
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Researchers performed a multi-omic analysis of bacterial communities colonizing PET plastic in marine environments, identifying microorganisms capable of degrading PET and characterizing the enzymatic pathways involved, advancing understanding of natural plastic biodegradation in ocean systems.
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.