We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bacteroidetal cold-active and promiscuous esterases play a significant role in global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Abstract Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is an important synthetic polymer accumulating in nature and recent studies have identified microorganisms capable of degrading PET. While the majority of known PET hydrolases originate from the Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, here we describe the first functional PET-active enzymes from the Bacteroidetes phylum. Using a PETase-specific Hidden-Markov-Model (HMM)-based search algorithm we identified two promiscuous and cold-active esterases derived from Aequorivita sp. (PET27) and Chryseobacterium jeonii (PET30) acting on PET foil and powder. Notably, one of the enzymes (PET30) was able to hydrolyze PET at temperatures between 4° - 30°C with a similar turnover rate compared to the well-known Ideonella sakaiensis enzyme (IsPETase). PET27 and PET30 homologues were detected in metagenomes encompassing a wide range of different global climate zones. Additional transcript abundance mapping of marine samples imply that these enzymes and source organisms play a significant role in the long-term degradation of microplastic particles and fibers.
More Papers Like This
The abundance of mRNA transcripts of bacteroidetal polyethylene terephthalate (PET) esterase genes may indicate a role in marine plastic degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered the first functional PET-degrading enzymes from the Bacteroidetes phylum of bacteria by analyzing gene expression in ocean environments. The finding suggests that this common group of marine bacteria may play a previously unrecognized role in breaking down PET plastic pollution in the ocean.
Glacier as a source of novel polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Polar Marine Microbial Communities as Reservoirs of Polyester Degrading Enzymes
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Metagenomic insights into potential PET hydrolases from Antarctic soils and rhizospheres
AI summary Read the abstract
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
Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases in Human Gut Microbiota and Their Implications for Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers searched the genomes of healthy human gut bacteria and discovered enzymes capable of breaking down PET, one of the most common plastics found in food and drink packaging. They identified multiple bacterial species in the human gut that produce these PET-degrading enzymes. This discovery suggests that gut microbes may play a role in processing the microplastics people swallow, though it also raises questions about whether the breakdown products could affect human health.
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.