Presenter: Emelia S. Mensah

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biological Organisms

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A2

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is currently an environmental and human health threat since plastic particles infiltrate our ecosystems and food chains  causing damage. Since our current methods of plastic degradation are less efficient, we require innovative biochemical and microbial interactions to abate this problem. PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) is the common plastic used widely but it is non-biodegradable and contributes to plastic pollution despite wide community action for recycling. This research explores the recent discovery of FAST-PETase (functional, active, stable, and tolerant polyethylene terephthalate) using AI- driven enzyme engineering. This unique enzyme PETase that breaks down PET was first discovered in the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis. Recently researchers used AI, machine learning and protein engineering to boost this enzyme’s natural stability, activity, and efficiency. Now it can degrade PET plastics up to 80% faster which can be a game changer in our battle against plastic pollution.  It can function at moderate temperatures  using less energy. It can degrade plastic waste for reuse and hence has the potential in waste management systems. This indeed offers a better alternative to traditional plastic disposal methods like landfilling and incineration that further pollute our environment. This method also supports a circular economy where plastic waste can be reused instead of accumulating as waste. Continued research is required for successful implementation on a large scale since FAST-PETase could revolutionize plastic waste management, reducing plastic pollution and contamination in our ecosystems. This research shows the potential of innovation in addressing global sustainability challenges in our fight against plastic waste.