Synthetic Biology for Plastic Degradation: Engineering Microorganisms for Environmental Remediation
Abstract
Plastic pollution persists for centuries in the environment, with conventional degradation methods proving insufficient for addressing the global crisis. This synthetic biology study engineers Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida bacteria to express enhanced plastic-degrading enzymes including PETase, MHETase, and novel cutinases. Through directed evolution and rational protein design, we achieved 340% improvement in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation rates compared to wild-type enzymes. Engineered bacteria successfully degraded 89% of PET plastic films within 14 days under controlled conditions, producing environmentally benign metabolites. Safety assessments included containment mechanisms and risk evaluation for environmental release. The research provides sustainable biotechnological solutions for plastic waste management and demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology in environmental remediation.
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