The Current State of Research on PET Hydrolyzing Enzymes Available for Biorecycling

This short paper reviews two groups of enzymes designated as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolases: one consists thermophilic cutinases from microorganisms (actinomycetes and a fungus) the other mesophilic cutinases, representative which is IsPETase bacterium. From viewpoint that PET hydrolysis requires high temperature close to glass transition (65–70 °C in water) PET, are not suitable for use enzymatic recycling since their degradation level three orders magnitude lower than cutinases. Many studies have attempted increase thermostability by introducing mutations, but even with these modifications, cutinase does reach same In addition, this kind trial contradicts claim works at ambient temperature. As plastic pollution an urgent environmental issue, scientists must focus on feasible processing disposed rather Thermophilic be evaluated precisely comparatively, based features enable them hydrolyze aim disposal. The has already reached optimal biorecycling. may through waste, amorphization micronization into readily hydrolysable forms improvement hydrolases engineering higher ability low-cost production. Here I summarize critical points evaluation discuss biorecycling PET.