Real-Time Noninvasive Analysis of Biocatalytic PET Degradation

The Earth has entered the Anthropocene, which is branded by ubiquitous and devastating environmental pollution from plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Ecofriendly at same time economical solutions for plastic recycling reuse are being sought more urgently now than ever. With possibility to recover its building blocks, hydrolysis of PET waste selective biodegradation with polyester hydrolases an appealing solution. We demonstrate how changing dielectric properties films can be used evaluate performance hydrolases. For this purpose, a film separates two reaction chambers in impedimetric setup quantify thickness- surface area-dependent change capacitance caused enzyme. derived degradation rates determined PHL7 LCC were similar those obtained gravimetric vertical scanning interferometry measurements. Compared optical methods, technique also insensitive changes solution composition. AFM FEM simulations further supported that impedance spectroscopy powerful tool detailed analysis enzymatic process films. developed monitoring system enabled both high-temporal resolution parallel processing suitable degradability biocatalysts.