IT House April 28 news, according to New Atlas, scientists using machine learning to design in addition to a new type of quick-acting enzyme, this enzyme can degrade some forms of plastic in just 24 hours, its stability makes it very suitable for large-scale adoption.
Scientists have been exploring the potential of enzymes to help recycle plastics for more than a decade, and some significant advances have been made in the last six years or so. In 2016, researchers in Japan discovered a bacterium that uses enzymes to break down PET plastic in a matter of weeks. An engineered version of these enzymes, called PET enzymes, further improves performance, and in 2020, scientists developed a more powerful version that breaks down PET plastics at six times faster.
A team at the University of Texas set out to address some of the deficiencies of these enzymes to date. According to the scientists, the technology's application has been hampered by its inability to function well at low temperatures and in different pH ranges, lack of effectiveness in directly treating untreated plastic waste, and slow response.
To solve these problems, the team developed a machine learning model that can predict which mutations in the PET enzyme will give it these capabilities. This involves closely studying a range of PET plastic products, including containers, water bottles and fabrics, and then using that model to design and manufacture a new and improved enzyme called FAST-PET enzyme (functional, active, stable and tolerant PET enzyme).
The newly created enzyme was found to have excellent ability to break down PET plastic at temperatures from 30 to 50°C and a range of pH conditions. It is capable of degrading almost completely 51 different untreated PET plastic products in a week, and in some experiments, it has broken down plastic in just 24 hours. The scientists also demonstrated a closed-loop PET recycling process in which the FAST-PET enzyme is used to break down plastics and then the recovered monomers are used to chemically recombine the material.
Study author Hal Alper said: "When considering environmental cleanup applications, you need an enzyme that can work in the environment, working at ambient temperatures. This requirement is where our technology will have a huge advantage in the future. ”
With the ability to quickly break down post-consumer plastic waste at low temperatures, the researchers believe they have found a portable, affordable technology that can be adopted on an industrial scale. They have already filed a patent for the technology and want to see it put into use in landfills and contaminated areas.
Alper says, "The possibilities for industries to take advantage of this leading recycling process are endless. In addition to the distinct waste management industry, this also provides an opportunity for businesses in each industry to play a leading role in recycling their products. With these more sustainable enzyme approaches, we can begin to envision a truly circular plastic economy. ”
IT House learned that the study was published in the journal Nature.