Enzyme Developed with AI Machine Learning can Rapidly Break Down Plastics From Centuries to Hours
The researchers have developed a machine learning model to create a new variant of an enzyme that can degrade plastics in hours or days, when it typically takes centuries.
The novel enzyme FAST PETase can deteriorate harmful plastics typically found in landfills.
12% of the world’s waste is contributed by PET, which is found in most consumer packaging.
The enzyme breaks down plastics into smaller parts, which can then be reused, allowing for large-scale recycling in the industrial sector.
Working at temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius, Fast PETase is affordable, portable, and efficient enough to be applied extensively.
Previous attempts at developing effective enzymes were challenged by slow reaction rates, limited temperature ranges, and pH levels.
The discovery will contribute to the recovery and reuse of plastics on a molecular level.
Hal Alper, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas, Austin, believes the possibilities for sustainable enzyme approaches are endless.
Using AI, chemical engineering, and synthetic biology, a natural enzyme called PETase was turned into a plastic-eating machine by the team.
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