Plastic waste is a pressing ecological challenge, with a staggering 8.3 billion metric tons produced, of which 6 billion tons become waste. Traditional methods of plastic degradation, such as chemical processes, are costly and generate harmful byproducts. Enzymatic degradation presents a sustainable alternative, with poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) comprising 12% of global solid waste. However, existing enzymes like PETase lack robustness and efficiency.
FAST-PETase, an enzyme variant developed at The University of Texas at Austin, addresses these limitations. Utilizing machine learning, novel mutants of PETase were generated, capable of breaking down PET plastics within 24 hours. This innovation offers rapid and efficient degradation of untreated post-consumer PET plastics from various sources.
The technology finds application in industries involved in recycling plastics or plastic production, offering a sustainable solution to the global plastic waste crisis. By efficiently breaking down plastics into recyclable monomers, it contributes to mitigating environmental damage caused by plastic pollution.
With a lab/bench prototype stage, the technology is poised for further development towards commercialization. Companies engaged in plastic recycling or production stand to benefit from integrating this innovative enzymatic degradation technology into their processes, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.