The Future of Plastic: Enzymes that Eat Plastic

🔑Plastic waste is a major global issue, with the majority of plastic not being recycled.

🌱Nature has provided inspiration for bioengineers to develop enzymes that can break down plastics.

🔬Scientists have identified bacteria, fungi, algae, and insects that can degrade plastics.

🧪Researchers have genetically engineered enzymes that are more efficient at degrading specific plastics, such as PET.

🌍Enzymatic recycling processes have the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste and create a circular economy.

What percentage of plastic is currently recycled?

—Only 9% of all plastic ever created has been recycled, according to a 2017 study.

What are some organisms that can break down plastics?

—Insects, bacteria, fungi, and algae have been observed to have the ability to degrade plastics.

How do these enzymes work to break down plastics?

—Enzymes break down the chemical bonds in plastics, converting them into smaller molecules that can be metabolized by organisms.

Can these enzymes be used to recycle all types of plastics?

—Different enzymes are effective against different types of plastics, so a combination of enzymes and processes is needed for comprehensive plastic recycling.

What are the challenges in implementing enzymatic plastic recycling at a large scale?

—Enzymatic recycling processes require specialized conditions and infrastructure, and the cost and logistics of scaling up these processes are still being addressed.

00:00Plastic waste is a growing problem worldwide, with the majority of plastic not being recycled.

06:12Enzymes found in nature, such as bacteria and fungi, can break down plastics.

10:03Researchers have genetically engineered enzymes that are more efficient at breaking down specific plastics, such as PET.

12:13Companies like Carbios are commercializing enzymatic recycling processes for plastics like PET and PLA.