Plastic glut down a microbial gut

Enzymes sequestered from microbes have demonstrated the ability to readily digest amorphous regions of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in ambient conditions. Although nascent, enzymatic depolymerization can soon vie for commercialization and provide monomeric feedstock at rates comparable to petrochemical feedstock for repolymerization, achieving the coveted goal of cradle-to-cradle recycling. (c) 2022 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Automated summary

Enzymes derived from microbes have shown the capability to degrade amorphous regions of PET in ambient conditions, providing monomeric feedstock for repolymerization at rates comparable to petrochemical feedstock, thus achieving cradle-to-cradle recycling.