We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases in Human Gut Microbiota and Their Implications for Human Health
ClearIdentification of a PET hydrolytic enzyme from the human gut microbiome unveils potential plastic biodegradation in human digestive tract
Researchers discovered a new enzyme in the human gut microbiome that can break down PET plastic, the material used in most drink bottles and food packaging. The enzyme, called HGMP01, was identified through analysis of gut bacterial DNA and confirmed to hydrolyze PET nanoparticles in laboratory tests. The finding suggests that gut bacteria may play an unexpected role in processing the microplastics that humans inevitably ingest through food and beverages.
PET Microplastics Affect Human Gut Microbiota Communities During Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion. First Evidence of Plausible Polymer Biodegradation During Human Digestion
Researchers simulated gastrointestinal digestion and found that PET microplastics altered human gut microbiota community composition, and provided first evidence of plausible partial polymer biodegradation during passage through the human digestive tract.
PET microplastics affect human gut microbiota communities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, first evidence of plausible polymer biodegradation during human digestion
Using a simulated human digestive system, researchers tracked what happens to PET microplastics as they pass through the stomach and intestines. The microplastics were structurally changed during digestion and appeared to alter the composition of gut bacteria, with some microbes forming biofilms on the plastic surfaces. This is the first evidence that microplastics may be partially broken down during human digestion and could disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a critical role in overall health.
Identification of plastic-degrading bacteria in the human gut
Scientists discovered bacteria in the human gut that can break down common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, though all the plastic-degrading species identified were opportunistic pathogens. The bacteria could physically and chemically alter plastic surfaces but only achieved limited depolymerization. This finding raises the question of whether microplastic exposure in the gut could promote the growth of potentially harmful bacteria while they attempt to digest the plastic.
A New PETase from the Human Saliva Metagenome and Its Functional Modification via Genetic Code Expansion in Bacteria
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.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics affect gut microbiota distribution and intestinal damage in mice
Mice exposed to PET microplastics, the type commonly found in plastic bottles, developed intestinal inflammation, changes in gut bacteria, and signs of a weakened gut barrier. Even at relatively low doses, the microplastics increased liver stress markers and disrupted the protective mucus layer in the colon, suggesting that everyday PET plastic exposure could contribute to digestive health problems.
Biodegradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Microplastics by Baceterial Communities From Activated Sludge
Scientists isolated bacteria from wastewater treatment sludge that can biodegrade PET plastic, used in plastic bottles and food packaging. The bacteria broke down PET microplastics over a 60-day period, pointing toward a potential biological tool for removing plastic contamination from water treatment systems.
Biodegradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Microplastics by Baceterial Communities From Activated Sludge
Scientists isolated bacteria from wastewater treatment sludge that can biodegrade PET plastic, used in plastic bottles and food packaging. The bacteria broke down PET microplastics over a 60-day period, pointing toward a potential biological tool for removing plastic contamination from water treatment systems.
Bacteroidetal cold-active and promiscuous esterases play a significant role in global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation
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.
Degradation of PET plastic with engineered environmental bacteria
Scientists engineered a soil bacterium to break down PET plastic, one of the most common plastics in food packaging and textiles, by giving it the ability to produce and secrete a powerful plastic-degrading enzyme. This is one of the first demonstrations of a living microorganism that can directly consume PET as a food source, which could lead to more sustainable recycling approaches.
A multi-OMIC characterisation of biodegradation and microbial community succession within the PET plastisphere
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.
Microbial Consortia and Mixed Plastic Waste: Pangenomic Analysis Reveals Potential for Degradation of Multiple Plastic Types via Previously Identified PET Degrading Bacteria
Researchers used pangenomic and transcriptomic analysis of a previously identified five-member bacterial consortium capable of degrading PET to search for broader plastic degradation potential. The analysis revealed over 200 plastic and plasticizer degradation-related genes, including a novel PETase (EstB), suggesting the consortium can potentially degrade multiple plastic types beyond PET.
Marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria breakdown poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
Scientists used microcosm studies to investigate whether marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria can break down PET plastic, finding that specific bacterial strains could colonize and degrade PET surfaces, offering insights into natural plastic biodegradation in the ocean.
Microbial Consortia and Mixed Plastic Waste: Pangenomic Analysis Reveals Potential for Degradation of Multiple Plastic Types via Previously Identified PET Degrading Bacteria
Researchers used pangenomic and transcriptomic analysis of a five-bacterium PET-degrading consortium to identify over 200 plastic and plasticizer degradation-related genes, including a novel PETase enzyme EstB. The diverse carbon utilization capacity and active transcription of PET monomer metabolism genes suggest the consortium has potential for degrading mixed plastic waste.
An archaeal lid-containing feruloyl-esterase degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
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.
Degradation of PET microplastic particles to monomers in human serum by PETase
This study tested whether PETase — an enzyme originally discovered in plastic-eating bacteria — can break down PET microplastic particles found in human blood serum, finding that it can degrade the particles into monomers even in complex biological fluids. The results open a potential avenue for enzyme-based therapies to clear plastic particles from the human body, though further toxicity and efficacy studies are needed.
Ecological distribution and functional characterization of polyethylene-degrading enzymes from diverse metagenomes.
Researchers screened over 4.57 billion metagenomic sequences from diverse environments — including farmland, horse gut, insect symbionts, and human oral microbiomes — and identified 701 candidate polyethylene-degrading enzymes, with 25 of 32 tested showing measurable PE degradation activity, revealing that PE-degrading capacity is distributed across diverse and often unexpected microbial habitats.
Macrogenomes reveal microbial-mediated microplastic degradation pathways in the porcine gut: a hope for solving the environmental challenges of microplastics
A metagenomic study of pig gut contents found a diverse community of microorganisms harboring genes capable of breaking down multiple types of microplastics. This raises the intriguing possibility that gut microbiota in food animals may partially degrade ingested microplastics, but it also raises questions about whether breakdown products or altered microbial communities pose risks that pass up the food chain to humans.
Effects of Microplastic on Human Gut Microbiome: Detection of Plastic-Degrading Genes in Human Gut Exposed to Microplastics—Preliminary Study
Researchers analyzed stool samples from Indonesian coastal and highland populations to examine the relationship between microplastic contamination and gut microbiome composition. While microplastics did not significantly alter overall gut microbial diversity, specific plastic types correlated with changes in certain bacterial genera including Roseburia and Prevotella. Notably, the study detected genes encoding plastic-degrading enzymes in the human gut microbiome for the first time, suggesting the gut microbial community may be adapting to microplastic exposure.
Glacier as a source of novel polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases
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.
A review on microbial bioremediation of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics
This review focuses on microbial biodegradation of PET microplastics — the plastic used in bottles and synthetic textiles — detailing the specific enzymes (PETase and MHETase) that bacteria use to break the polymer down into its chemical building blocks. Biological degradation offers a lower-energy, more environmentally gentle alternative to chemical recycling or landfill, and understanding the microbial mechanisms involved is key to developing scalable bioremediation solutions for one of the most pervasive microplastic types.
Microbial degradation of polyethylene terephthalate: a systematic review
This systematic review examines how microorganisms like bacteria and fungi can break down PET plastic, one of the most common types of plastic waste. The research identifies several promising biological approaches that could help reduce plastic pollution without the harmful side effects of chemical recycling methods. Finding better ways to break down plastic waste is critical for reducing the microplastics that end up in our water, food, and bodies.
Microbial Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases: Current and Future Perspectives
This review surveys microbial enzymes capable of breaking down PET plastic, focusing on the structure and function of key hydrolases like PETase and cutinases. Researchers found that while several enzymes show promising PET-degrading activity, most work slowly and under limited temperature conditions, with engineered variants showing improved performance. The study highlights both the potential and the current limitations of using biological approaches for plastic waste management.
Responses of gut microbiomes to commercial polyester polymer biodegradation in Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Researchers demonstrated that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can rapidly biodegrade commercial polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, with gut microbiome analysis revealing specific bacterial communities that shift in response to PET consumption and enable its breakdown.