The breakthrough came with the discovery of ‘Pelotomaculum fermentans lipase 1′ (PFL1), an enzyme found in Pelotomaculum fermentans, an anaerobic bacterium related to E. coli. When applied to oxidized polyethylene, PFL1 demonstrated significant degradation capabilities. (Image provided by KIST)
SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant advancement for environmental science, researchers in South Korea have identified an enzyme capable of breaking down polyethylene, one of the most prevalent and persistent forms of plastic pollution.
The discovery, announced on August 8 by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), could pave the way for more effective management of plastic waste.
Polyethylene, which accounts for 35% of all plastics produced annually, is notorious for its longevity in the environment, taking over 500 years to degrade naturally.
Traditional disposal methods have proven problematic, with incineration producing toxic substances and chemical decomposition requiring expensive catalysts.
The research team, led by senior researcher Ahn Jung-ho at KIST’s Clean Energy Research Center.
The research team, led by senior researcher Ahn Jung-ho at KIST’s Clean Energy Research Center, utilized synthetic biology to develop an enzyme derived from microorganisms.
Their focus was on lipid-degrading enzymes, which have a chemical structure similar to the synthetic polymer polyethylene.
The breakthrough came with the discovery of ‘Pelotomaculum fermentans lipase 1′ (PFL1), an enzyme found in Pelotomaculum fermentans, an anaerobic bacterium related to E. coli. When applied to oxidized polyethylene, PFL1 demonstrated significant degradation capabilities.
The weight-average molecular weight decreased by 44.6%, while the number-average molecular weight reduced by 11.3%. The researchers explained that these reductions in molecular weight indicate substantial biodegradation of the plastic.
Electron microscope observations revealed visible signs of biodegradation on the polyethylene surface, including tears and cracks.
Computer simulations further elucidated the biodegradation process, showing how the PFL1 enzyme strongly binds to the polyethylene surface before breaking it down into smaller fragments.
The team highlighted several advantages of their discovery. The enzyme can be mass-produced using renewable resources, and the byproducts of the biodegradation process, such as alcohols and carboxylic acids, can be repurposed for plastic resynthesis or other chemical materials.
“This research demonstrates the potential for biodegrading previously intractable plastic waste,” said Ahn. He expressed hope that commercialization of this technology could help address the pressing issue of overflowing landfills and contribute to a sustainable circular economy for plastics.
The study’s findings were published in the international journal Bioresource Technology in May.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
