1
|
Guo X, Jiang Y, Xie D, Zhou Y. Computational investigation on the binding modes of PET polymer to PETase. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:6842-6849. [PMID: 37505088 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been widely utilized in daily life, but its non-degradability has induced severe environmental and health problems. Recently, PETase, which has been isolated from bacterium Ideonella sakaiensisis, was reported to have the highest PET degradation activity and specificity under room temperature, but no crystal structure for PET in complex with PETase has been reported. To provide deep insight into the binding mode of PET polymer on PETase and the binding interactions, we employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to study the substrate binding at the atomic level. Different PET oligomers have been studied with chain lengths varying from 2 to 8. In addition, the binding energies and hot-spot residues were analyzed to gain better insights into the binding mechanism by MM/GBSA approach. The PET oligomers adopt stable and reactive conformations in a shallow cleft on a flat surface of PETase. The binding cleft can only accommodate four moieties, and others beyond the region will be stabilized by the π-stacking interactions with Trp156 at the terephthalic acid terminal. Our studies provide a clear picture of how the binding mode of PET polymer and its interactions with PETase change with the chain length. Those studies would provide useful information for the rational design of catalytically more efficient PETase variants toward plastic degradation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Guo
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiming Jiang
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daiqian Xie
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanzi Zhou
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tian H, Du Y, Luo X, Dong J, Chen S, Hu X, Zhang M, Liu Z, Abolfathi S. Understanding visible light and microbe-driven degradation mechanisms of polyurethane plastics: Pathways, property changes, and product analysis. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121856. [PMID: 38875861 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of polyurethane plastics (PU-PS) in the environment is on the rise, posing potential risks to the health and function of ecosystems. However, little is known about the degradation behavior of PU-PS in the environment, especially water environment. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated and isolated a degrading strain of Streptomyces sp. B2 from the surface of polyurethane coatings. Subsequently, a photoreactor was employed to simulate the degradation process of bio-based polyurethane (BPU) and petroleum-based polyurethane (PPU) under three conditions, including single microorganism (SM), single light exposure (SL), and combined light exposure/microorganism action (ML) in aqueous solution. The results indicated that PU-PS mainly relies on biodegradation, with the highest degradation rate observed after 28 d under SM condition (BPU 5.69 %; PPU 5.25 %). SL inhibited microbial growth and degradation, with the least impact on plastic degradation. Microorganisms colonized the plastic surface, secreting relevant hydrolytic enzymes and organic acids into the culture medium, providing a negative charge. The carbon chains were broken and aged through hydrogen peroxide induction or attack by oxygen free radicals. This process promoted the formation of oxidized functional groups such as OH and CO, disrupting the polymer's structure. Consequently, localized fragmentation and erosion of the microstructure occurred, resulting in the generation of secondary microplastic (MPs) particles, weight loss of the original plastic, increased surface roughness, and enhanced hydrophilicity. Additionally, BPU exhibited greater degradability than PPU, as microorganisms could utilize the produced fatty acids, which promoted their reproduction. In contrast, PPU degradation generated a large amount of isocyanate, potentially toxic to cells and inhibiting biodegradation. This study unveils the significant role of microorganisms in plastic degradation and the underlying degradation mechanisms of BPU, providing a novel strategy for polyurethane degradation and valuable information for comprehensive assessment of the behavior and fate of MPs in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Tian
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Yuping Du
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xinyu Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Jingjing Dong
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xiaomin Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Min Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Zhiguang Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Soroush Abolfathi
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ercolano C, Iacono R, Cafaro V, Pizzo E, Giovannelli D, Feuerriegel G, Streit WR, Strazzulli A, Moracci M. Biochemical Characterisation of Sis: A Distinct Thermophilic PETase with Enhanced NanoPET Substrate Hydrolysis and Thermal Stability. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8120. [PMID: 39125688 PMCID: PMC11311821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation by enzymatic hydrolysis is significant for addressing plastic pollution and fostering sustainable waste management practices. Identifying thermophilic and thermostable PET hydrolases is particularly crucial for industrial bioprocesses, where elevated temperatures may enhance enzymatic efficiency and process kinetics. In this study, we present the discovery of a novel thermophilic and thermostable PETase enzyme named Sis, obtained through metagenomic sequence-based analysis. Sis exhibits robust activity on nanoPET substrates, demonstrating effectiveness at temperatures up to 70 °C and displaying exceptional thermal stability with a melting temperature (Tm) of 82 °C. Phylogenetically distinct from previously characterised PET hydrolases, Sis represents a valuable addition to the repertoire of enzymes suitable for PET degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ercolano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Roberta Iacono
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Cafaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
- Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Italian National Research Council, CNR-IRBIM, 60125 Ancona, Italy
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Golo Feuerriegel
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; (G.F.); (W.R.S.)
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; (G.F.); (W.R.S.)
| | - Andrea Strazzulli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Moracci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.E.); (R.I.); (V.C.); (E.P.); (D.G.); (M.M.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Méndez-Zamora A, Diaz-Vidal T, Robles-Machuca M, Pereira-Santana A, Casas-Godoy L. Unveiling potential PET degrading eukaryotes through in silico bioprospecting of PETases. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174978. [PMID: 39047840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This study addresses the environmental problem of PET plastic through in silico bioprospecting for the identification and experimental validation of novel PET degrading eukaryotes through the in silico bioprospectingI of PETases, employing a methodology that combines Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), clustering techniques, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations. A total of 424 putative PETase sequences were identified from 219 eukaryotic organisms, highlighting six sequences with low affinity energies. The Aspergillus luchuensis sequence showed the lowest Gibbs free energy and exhibited stability at different temperatures in molecular dynamics assays. Experimental validation, through a plate clearance assay and HPLC, confirmed PETase activity in three wild-type fungal strains, with A. luchuensis showing the highest efficiency. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of combining computational and experimental approaches as proof of concept to discover and validate eukaryotes with PET-degrading capabilities opening new perspectives for the sustainable management of this type of waste and contributing to its environmental mitigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Méndez-Zamora
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ), Avenida Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, C.P. 44270 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Tania Diaz-Vidal
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ), Avenida Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, C.P. 44270 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Marcela Robles-Machuca
- Tecnologia de alimentos, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de la Cultura s/n, C.P. 63000 Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Pereira-Santana
- CONAHCYT-Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Parque Científico Tecnológico de Yucatán, 97302 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Leticia Casas-Godoy
- CONAHCYT-Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Camino Arenero 1227, El Bajío, 45019 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mubayi V, Ahern CB, Calusinska M, O’Malley MA. Toward a Circular Bioeconomy: Designing Microbes and Polymers for Biodegradation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1978-1993. [PMID: 38918080 PMCID: PMC11264326 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Polymer production is rapidly increasing, but there are no large-scale technologies available to effectively mitigate the massive accumulation of these recalcitrant materials. One potential solution is the development of a carbon-neutral polymer life cycle, where microorganisms convert plant biomass to chemicals, which are used to synthesize biodegradable materials that ultimately contribute to the growth of new plants. Realizing a circular carbon life cycle requires the integration of knowledge across microbiology, bioengineering, materials science, and organic chemistry, which itself has hindered large-scale industrial advances. This review addresses the biodegradation status of common synthetic polymers, identifying novel microbes and enzymes capable of metabolizing these recalcitrant materials and engineering approaches to enhance their biodegradation pathways. Design considerations for the next generation of biodegradable polymers are also reviewed, and finally, opportunities to apply findings from lignocellulosic biodegradation to the design and biodegradation of similarly recalcitrant synthetic polymers are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Mubayi
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Colleen B. Ahern
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Magdalena Calusinska
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Environmental
Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg
Institute of Science and Technology, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Michelle A. O’Malley
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang X, Li Y, Shu Z, Huang L, Liu Q, Jiang G. High-Efficiency Degradation of PET Plastics by Glutathione S-Transferase under Mild Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39012182 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern globally. Plastics are normally considered chemically inert and resistant to biodegradation. Although many papers have reported enzyme-induced biodegradation of plastics, these studies are primarily limited to enzymes of microbial origin or engineered enzymes. This study reveals that poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET, ∼6000 Da and 100 kDa) particles and plastic bottle debris (PBD, 24.9 kDa) can be efficiently degraded by a mammal-origin natural phase II metabolic isozyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST), under mild conditions. The degradation efficiency of PET plastics reached 98.9%, with a degradation rate of 2.6 g·L-1·h-1 under ambient or physiological conditions at 1 atm. PET plastics can be degraded by GST with varying environmental or biological factors (i.e., temperature, light irradiation, pH, and presence of humic acid or protein). We suggest a novel mechanism for PET degradation other than hydrolysis, i.e., the mechanism of cleavage and release of PET plastic monomers via nitridation and oxidation. This finding also reveals a novel function of GST, previously thought to only degrade small molecules (<1000 Da). This method has been successfully applied in real human serum samples. Additionally, we have tested and confirmed the ability to degrade PET of a mammal-origin natural digestive enzyme (trypsin) and a human-derived natural metabolic enzyme (CYP450). Overall, our findings provide a potential new route to plastic pollution control and contribute to our understanding of the metabolism and fate of plastics in organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Zhao Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Li Huang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schneier A, Melaugh G, Sadler JC. Engineered plastic-associated bacteria for biodegradation and bioremediation. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 2024; 1:7. [PMID: 39026535 PMCID: PMC11256910 DOI: 10.1186/s44314-024-00007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The global plastic waste crisis has triggered the development of novel methods for removal of recalcitrant polymers from the environment. Biotechnological approaches have received particular attention due to their potential for enabling sustainable, low-intensity bioprocesses which could also be interfaced with microbial upcycling pathways to support the emerging circular bioeconomy. However, low biodegradation efficiency of solid plastic materials remains a bottleneck, especially at mesophilic conditions required for one-pot degradation and upcycling. A promising strategy used in nature to address this is localisation of plastic-degrading microbes to the plastic surface via biofilm-mediated surface association. This review highlights progress and opportunities in leveraging these naturally occurring mechanisms of biofilm formation and other cell-surface adhesion biotechnologies to co-localise engineered cells to plastic surfaces. We further discuss examples of combining these approaches with extracellular expression of plastic-degrading enzymes to accelerate plastic degradation. Additionally, we review this topic in the context of nano- and microplastics bioremediation and their removal from wastewater and finally propose future research directions for this nascent field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Schneier
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF UK
| | - Gavin Melaugh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD UK
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL UK
| | - Joanna C. Sadler
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han Z, Nina MRH, Zhang X, Huang H, Fan D, Bai Y. Discovery and characterization of two novel polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases: One from a bacterium identified in human feces and one from the Streptomyces genus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134532. [PMID: 38749251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used for various industrial applications. However, owing to its extremely slow breakdown rate, PET accumulates as plastic trash, which negatively affects the environment and human health. Here, we report two novel PET hydrolases: PpPETase from Pseudomonas paralcaligenes MRCP1333, identified in human feces, and ScPETase from Streptomyces calvus DSM 41452. These two enzymes can decompose various PET materials, including semicrystalline PET powders (Cry-PET) and low-crystallinity PET films (gf-PET). By structure-guided engineering, two variants, PpPETaseY239R/F244G/Y250G and ScPETaseA212C/T249C/N195H/N243K were obtained that decompose Cry-PET 3.1- and 1.9-fold faster than their wild-type enzymes, respectively. The co-expression of ScPETase and mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase from Ideonella sakaiensis (IsMHETase) resulted in 1.4-fold more degradation than the single enzyme system. This engineered strain degraded Cry-PET and gf-PET by more than 40% and 6%, respectively, after 30 d. The concentrations of terephthalic acid (TPA) in the Cry-PET and gf-PET degradation products were 37.7% and 25.6%, respectively. The discovery of these two novel PET hydrolases provides opportunities to create more powerful biocatalysts for PET biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Mario Roque Huanca Nina
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hanyao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Daidi Fan
- Shaanxi R&D Centre of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yunpeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saunders JW, Damry AM, Vongsouthi V, Spence MA, Frkic RL, Gomez C, Yates PA, Matthews DS, Tokuriki N, McLeod MD, Jackson CJ. Increasing the Soluble Expression and Whole-Cell Activity of the Plastic-Degrading Enzyme MHETase through Consensus Design. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1663-1673. [PMID: 38885634 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase (MHETase) from Ideonella sakaiensis carries out the second step in the enzymatic depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic into the monomers terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Despite its potential industrial and environmental applications, poor recombinant expression of MHETase has been an obstacle to its industrial application. To overcome this barrier, we developed an assay allowing for the medium-throughput quantification of MHETase activity in cell lysates and whole-cell suspensions, which allowed us to screen a library of engineered variants. Using consensus design, we generated several improved variants that exhibit over 10-fold greater whole-cell activity than wild-type (WT) MHETase. This is revealed to be largely due to increased soluble expression, which biochemical and structural analysis indicates is due to improved protein folding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake W Saunders
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Adam M Damry
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Vanessa Vongsouthi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Matthew A Spence
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Frkic
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Chloe Gomez
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Patrick A Yates
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Dana S Matthews
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nobuhiko Tokuriki
- Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Malcolm D McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Synthetic Biology, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Klauer RR, Hansen DA, Wu D, Monteiro LMO, Solomon KV, Blenner MA. Biological Upcycling of Plastics Waste. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2024; 15:315-342. [PMID: 38621232 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100522-115850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic wastes accumulate in the environment, impacting wildlife and human health and representing a significant pool of inexpensive waste carbon that could form feedstock for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals, monomers, and specialty chemicals. Current mechanical recycling technologies are not economically attractive due to the lower-quality plastics that are produced in each iteration. Thus, the development of a plastics economy requires a solution that can deconstruct plastics and generate value from the deconstruction products. Biological systems can provide such value by allowing for the processing of mixed plastics waste streams via enzymatic specificity and using engineered metabolic pathways to produce upcycling targets. We focus on the use of biological systems for waste plastics deconstruction and upcycling. We highlight documented and predicted mechanisms through which plastics are biologically deconstructed and assimilated and provide examples of upcycled products from biological systems. Additionally, we detail current challenges in the field, including the discovery and development of microorganisms and enzymes for deconstructing non-polyethylene terephthalate plastics, the selection of appropriate target molecules to incentivize development of a plastic bioeconomy, and the selection of microbial chassis for the valorization of deconstruction products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross R Klauer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| | - D Alex Hansen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| | - Derek Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| | | | - Kevin V Solomon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| | - Mark A Blenner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Feng J, Li H, Lu Y, Li R, Cavaco-Paulo A, Fu J. Non-ionic surfactant PEG: Enhanced cutinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:133049. [PMID: 38857727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
To enhance the enzymatic digestibility of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is highly oriented and crystallized, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactant of varying molecular weights was utilized to improve the stability of mutant cutinase from Humicola insolens (HiC) and to increase the accessibility of the enzyme to the substrate. Leveraging the optimal conditions for HiC hydrolysis of PET, the introduction of 1 % w/v PEG significantly increased the yield of PET hydrolysis products. PEG600 was particularly effective, increasing the yield by 64.58 % compared to using HiC alone. Moreover, the mechanisms by which PEG600 and PEG6000 enhance enzyme digestion were extensively examined using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results from CD and fluorescence analyses indicated that PEG alters the protein conformation, thereby affecting the catalytic effect of the enzyme. Moreover, PEG improved the affinity between HiC and PET by lowering the surface tension of the solution, substantially enhancing PET hydrolysis. This study suggests that PEG holds considerable promise as an enzyme protector, significantly aiding in the hydrophilic modification and degradation of PET in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jundan Feng
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Centre for Functional Textiles, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Centre for Functional Textiles, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuzheng Lu
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Centre for Functional Textiles, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, China; Mechanical Engineering College, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Rong Li
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Centre for Functional Textiles, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, China
| | | | - Jiajia Fu
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Centre for Functional Textiles, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martín-González D, de la Fuente Tagarro C, De Lucas A, Bordel S, Santos-Beneit F. Genetic Modifications in Bacteria for the Degradation of Synthetic Polymers: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5536. [PMID: 38791573 PMCID: PMC11121894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic polymers, commonly known as plastics, are currently present in all aspects of our lives. Although they are useful, they present the problem of what to do with them after their lifespan. There are currently mechanical and chemical methods to treat plastics, but these are methods that, among other disadvantages, can be expensive in terms of energy or produce polluting gases. A more environmentally friendly alternative is recycling, although this practice is not widespread. Based on the practice of the so-called circular economy, many studies are focused on the biodegradation of these polymers by enzymes. Using enzymes is a harmless method that can also generate substances with high added value. Novel and enhanced plastic-degrading enzymes have been obtained by modifying the amino acid sequence of existing ones, especially on their active site, using a wide variety of genetic approaches. Currently, many studies focus on the common aim of achieving strains with greater hydrolytic activity toward a different range of plastic polymers. Although in most cases the depolymerization rate is improved, more research is required to develop effective biodegradation strategies for plastic recycling or upcycling. This review focuses on a compilation and discussion of the most important research outcomes carried out on microbial biotechnology to degrade and recycle plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Martín-González
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (D.M.-G.); (A.D.L.); (S.B.)
| | - Carlos de la Fuente Tagarro
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (D.M.-G.); (A.D.L.); (S.B.)
| | - Andrea De Lucas
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (D.M.-G.); (A.D.L.); (S.B.)
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (D.M.-G.); (A.D.L.); (S.B.)
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Fernando Santos-Beneit
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (D.M.-G.); (A.D.L.); (S.B.)
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rahmati F, Sethi D, Shu W, Asgari Lajayer B, Mosaferi M, Thomson A, Price GW. Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141749. [PMID: 38521099 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major global concern, posing numerous challenges for the environment and wildlife. Most conventional ways of plastics degradation are inefficient and cause great damage to ecosystems. The development of biodegradable plastics offers a promising solution for waste management. These plastics are designed to break down under various conditions, opening up new possibilities to mitigate the negative impact of traditional plastics. Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the degradation of bioplastics by producing and secreting extracellular enzymes, such as cutinase, lipases, and proteases. However, these microbial enzymes are sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, such as temperature and acidity, affecting their functions and stability. To address these challenges, scientists have employed protein engineering and immobilization techniques to enhance enzyme stability and predict protein structures. Strategies such as improving enzyme and substrate interaction, increasing enzyme thermostability, reinforcing the bonding between the active site of the enzyme and substrate, and refining enzyme activity are being utilized to boost enzyme immobilization and functionality. Recently, bioengineering through gene cloning and expression in potential microorganisms, has revolutionized the biodegradation of bioplastics. This review aimed to discuss the most recent protein engineering strategies for modifying bioplastic-degrading enzymes in terms of stability and functionality, including enzyme thermostability enhancement, reinforcing the substrate binding to the enzyme active site, refining with other enzymes, and improvement of enzyme surface and substrate action. Additionally, discovered bioplastic-degrading exoenzymes by metagenomics techniques were emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rahmati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Qom 37185364, Iran
| | - Debadatta Sethi
- Sugarcane Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Nayagarh, India
| | - Weixi Shu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada
| | | | - Mohammad Mosaferi
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Allan Thomson
- Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation., 173 Dr. Bernie MacDonald Dr., Bible Hill, Truro, NS, B6L 2H5, Canada
| | - G W Price
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Qi X, Wu Y, Zhang ST, Yin CF, Ji M, Liu Y, Xu Y, Zhou NY. The unique salt bridge network in GlacPETase: a key to its stability. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0224223. [PMID: 38358247 PMCID: PMC10952487 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02242-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The extensive accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has become a critical environmental issue. PET hydrolases can break down PET into its building blocks. Recently, we identified a glacial PET hydrolase GlacPETase sharing less than 31% amino acid identity with any known PET hydrolases. In this study, the crystal structure of GlacPETase was determined at 1.8 Å resolution, revealing unique structural features including a distinctive N-terminal disulfide bond and a specific salt bridge network. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the disruption of the N-terminal disulfide bond did not reduce GlacPETase's thermostability or its catalytic activity on PET. However, mutations in the salt bridges resulted in changes in melting temperature ranging from -8°C to +2°C and the activity on PET ranging from 17.5% to 145.5% compared to the wild type. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that these salt bridges stabilized the GlacPETase's structure by maintaining their surrounding structure. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GlacPETase represented a distinct branch within PET hydrolases-like proteins, with the salt bridges and disulfide bonds in this branch being relatively conserved. This research contributed to the improvement of our comprehension of the structural mechanisms that dictate the thermostability of PET hydrolases, highlighting the diverse characteristics and adaptability observed within PET hydrolases.IMPORTANCEThe pervasive problem of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollution in various terrestrial and marine environments is widely acknowledged and continues to escalate. PET hydrolases, such as GlacPETase in this study, offered a solution for breaking down PET. Its unique origin and less than 31% identity with any known PET hydrolases have driven us to resolve its structure. Here, we report the correlation between its unique structure and biochemical properties, focusing on an N-terminal disulfide bond and specific salt bridges. Through site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, the roles of the N-terminal disulfide bond and salt bridges were elucidated in GlacPETase. This research enhanced our understanding of the role of salt bridges in the thermostability of PET hydrolases, providing a valuable reference for the future engineering of PET hydrolases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Fan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mukan Ji
- Center for Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongqin Liu
- Center for Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Choi J, Kim H, Ahn YR, Kim M, Yu S, Kim N, Lim SY, Park JA, Ha SJ, Lim KS, Kim HO. Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics. RSC Adv 2024; 14:9943-9966. [PMID: 38528920 PMCID: PMC10961967 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00844h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the escalating issue of plastic pollution, specifically highlighting the detrimental effects on the environment and human health caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. The extensive use of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) has raised significant environmental concerns because of their long-lasting and non-degradable characteristics. This review delves into the role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in breaking down these polymers, showcasing recent advancements in the field. The intricacies of enzymatic degradation are thoroughly examined, including the effectiveness of enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, as well as the contribution of microbial pathways in breaking down resilient polymers into more benign substances. The paper also discusses the impact of chemical composition on plastic degradation kinetics and emphasizes the need for an approach to managing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. The review highlights the significance of comprehending the physical characteristics and long-term impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in different ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out the environmental and health consequences of these contaminants, such as their ability to cause cancer and interfere with the endocrine system. The paper emphasizes the need for advanced analytical methods and effective strategies for enzymatic degradation, as well as continued research and development in this area. This review highlights the crucial role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in addressing plastic pollution and proposes methods to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Choi
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hongbin Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Yu-Rim Ahn
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Minse Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Seona Yu
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Nanhyeon Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Jeong-Ann Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Jin Ha
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hyun-Ouk Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Oda K, Wlodawer A. Development of Enzyme-Based Approaches for Recycling PET on an Industrial Scale. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38285602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Pollution by plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is now gaining worldwide attention as a critical environmental issue, closely linked to climate change. Among them, PET is particularly prone to hydrolysis, breaking down into its constituents, ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalate (TPA). Biorecycling or bioupcycling stands out as one of the most promising methods for addressing PET pollution. For dealing with pollution by the macrosize PET, a French company Carbios has developed a pilot-scale plant for biorecycling waste PET beverage bottles into new bottles using derivatives of thermophilic leaf compost cutinase (LCC). However, this system still provides significant challenges in its practical implementation. For the micro- or nanosize PET pollution that poses significant human health risks, including cancer, no industrial-scale approach has been established so far, despite the need to develop such technologies. In this Perspective, we explore the enhancement of the low activity and thermostability of the enzyme PETase to match that of LCC, along with the potential application of microbes and enzymes for the treatment of waste PET as microplastics. Additionally, we discuss the shortcomings of the current biorecycling protocols from a life cycle assessment perspective, covering aspects such as the diversity of PET-hydrolyzing enzymes in nature, the catalytic mechanism for crystallized PET, and more. We also provide an overview of the Ideonella sakaiensis system, highlighting its ability to operate and grow at moderate temperatures, in contrast to high-temperature processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oda
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qiu J, Chen Y, Zhang L, Wu J, Zeng X, Shi X, Liu L, Chen J. A comprehensive review on enzymatic biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117427. [PMID: 37865324 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer synthesized via the dehydration and condensation reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. PET has emerged as one of the most extensively employed plastic materials due to its exceptional plasticity and durability. Nevertheless, PET has a complex structure and is extremely difficult to degrade in nature, causing severe pollution to the global ecological environment and posing a threat to human health. Currently, the methods for PET processing mainly include physical, chemical, and biological methods. Biological enzyme degradation is considered the most promising PET degradation method. In recent years, an increasing number of enzymes that can degrade PET have been identified, and they primarily target the ester bond of PET. This review comprehensively introduced the latest research progress in PET enzymatic degradation from the aspects of PET-degrading enzymes, PET biodegradation pathways, the catalytic mechanism of PET-degrading enzymes, and biotechnological strategies for enhancing PET-degrading enzymes. On this basis, the current challenges within the enzymatic PET degradation process were summarized, and the directions that need to be worked on in the future were pointed out. This review provides a reference and basis for the subsequent effective research on PET biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Qiu
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China; Development Center of Science and Education Park of Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, 362251, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China
| | - Liangqing Zhang
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China; Development Center of Science and Education Park of Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, 362251, China.
| | - Jinzhi Wu
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China
| | - Xianhai Zeng
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinguo Shi
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China
| | - Lemian Liu
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cribari MA, Unger MJ, Unarta IC, Ogorek AN, Huang X, Martell JD. Ultrahigh-Throughput Directed Evolution of Polymer-Degrading Enzymes Using Yeast Display. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27380-27389. [PMID: 38051911 PMCID: PMC11058326 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes that degrade synthetic polymers have attracted intense interest for eco-friendly plastic recycling. However, because enzymes did not evolve for the cleavage of abiotic polymers, directed evolution strategies are needed to enhance activity for plastic degradation. Previous directed evolution efforts relied on polymer degradation assays that were limited to screening ∼104 mutants. Here, we report a high-throughput yeast surface display platform to rapidly evaluate >107 enzyme mutants for increased activity in cleaving synthetic polymers. In this platform, individual yeast cells display distinct mutants, and enzyme activity is detected by a change in fluorescence upon the cleavage of a synthetic probe resembling a polymer of interest. Highly active mutants are isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting and identified through DNA sequencing. To demonstrate this platform, we performed directed evolution of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-depolymerizing enzyme, leaf and branch compost cutinase (LCC). We identified activity-boosting mutations that substantially increased the kinetics of degradation of solid PET films. Biochemical assays and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the most active variants suggest that the H218Y mutation improves the binding of the enzyme to PET. Overall, this evolution platform increases the screening throughput of polymer-degrading enzymes by 3 orders of magnitude and identifies mutations that enhance kinetics for depolymerizing solid substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario A. Cribari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Maxwell J. Unger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ilona C. Unarta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Theoretical Chemistry Institute, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ashley N. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Xuhui Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Theoretical Chemistry Institute, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Martell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sana B, Ding K, Siau JW, Pasula RR, Chee S, Kharel S, Lena JBH, Goh E, Rajamani L, Lam YM, Lim S, Ghadessy JF. Thermostability enhancement of polyethylene terephthalate degrading PETase using self- and nonself-ligating protein scaffolding approaches. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3200-3209. [PMID: 37555384 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolase enzymes show promise for enzymatic PET degradation and green recycling of single-use PET vessels representing a major source of global pollution. Their full potential can be unlocked with enzyme engineering to render activities on recalcitrant PET substrates commensurate with cost-effective recycling at scale. Thermostability is a highly desirable property in industrial enzymes, often imparting increased robustness and significantly reducing quantities required. To date, most engineered PET hydrolases show improved thermostability over their parental enzymes. Here, we report engineered thermostable variants of Ideonella sakaiensis PET hydrolase enzyme (IsPETase) developed using two scaffolding strategies. The first employed SpyCatcher-SpyTag technology to covalently cyclize IsPETase, resulting in increased thermostability that was concomitant with reduced turnover of PET substrates compared to native IsPETase. The second approach using a GFP-nanobody fusion protein (vGFP) as a scaffold yielded a construct with a melting temperature of 80°C. This was further increased to 85°C when a thermostable PETase variant (FAST PETase) was scaffolded into vGFP, the highest reported so far for an engineered PET hydrolase derived from IsPETase. Thermostability enhancement using the vGFP scaffold did not compromise activity on PET compared to IsPETase. These contrasting results highlight potential topological and dynamic constraints imposed by scaffold choice as determinants of enzyme activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barindra Sana
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ke Ding
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Wei Siau
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rupali Reddy Pasula
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological Univeristy, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharon Chee
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharad Kharel
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jean-Baptise Henri Lena
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eunice Goh
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yeng Ming Lam
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological Univeristy, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John F Ghadessy
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guo W, Duan J, Shi Z, Yu X, Shao Z. Biodegradation of PET by the membrane-anchored PET esterase from the marine bacterium Rhodococcus pyridinivorans P23. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1090. [PMID: 37891241 PMCID: PMC10611731 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence for microbial biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been reported, but little is known about the PET biodegradation process and molecular mechanism by marine microorganisms. Here, we show the biodegradation of PET by the membrane-anchored PET esterase from the marine bacterium Rhodococcus pyridinivorans P23, elucidate the properties of this enzyme, and propose the PET biodegradation by this strain in biofilm. We identify the PET-degrading enzyme dubbed PET esterase through activity tracking. In addition to depolymerizing PET, it hydrolyzes MHET into TPA under acid conditions. We prove that it is a low and constitutively transcribed, membrane-anchored protein displayed on the cell surface. Furthermore, we also investigate the microbial groups possessing PET esterase coupled with the TPA degradation pathway, mainly in the phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota. Clarification of the microbial PET biodegradation in the marine environment will contribute to the understanding of bioremediation of marine PET pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Jingjing Duan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhengguang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, 362251, Jinjiang, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, 362251, Jinjiang, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Howard SA, McCarthy RR. Modulating biofilm can potentiate activity of novel plastic-degrading enzymes. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:72. [PMID: 37788986 PMCID: PMC10547765 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an increasing global issue desperately requiring a solution. Only 9% of all plastic waste has been recycled, and whilst recycling gives a second life to plastic, it is costly and there are limited downstream uses of recycled plastic, therefore an alternative is urgently needed. Biodegradation of plastic by microorganisms is a developing field of interest with the potential for bioreactors to be used alongside recycling to degrade plastic that may otherwise be sent to landfill. Here, we have identified two novel polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzymes through genomic mining and characterised their activity, including their ability to degrade PET. One of the main roadblocks facing the development of microbial enzymes as a plastic biodegradation solution, is that their efficiency is too low to facilitate development as bioremediation tools. In an innovative approach to tackle this roadblock, we hypothesised that enhancing a bacteria's ability to attach to and form a biofilm on plastic could maximise the local concentration of the enzyme around the target substrate, therefore increasing the overall rate of plastic degradation. We found that increasing biofilm levels, by manipulating the levels of the second messenger, Cyclic-di-GMP, led to increased levels of polyester degradation in cells expressing novel and well characterised polyester-degrading enzymes. This indicates that modulating biofilm formation is a viable mechanism to fast track the development of bacterial plastic bioremediation solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Howard
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Ronan R McCarthy
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Duan S, Zhang N, Chao T, Wu Y, Wang M. The structural and molecular mechanisms of type II PETases: a mini review. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:1249-1263. [PMID: 37535135 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03418-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The advent of plastics has led to significant advances for humans, although the accompanying pollution has also been a source of concern for countries globally. Consequently, a biological method to effectively degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been an area of significant scientific interest. Following the report of the highly efficient PET hydrolase from the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis strain 201-F6 (i.e., IsPETase) in 2016, its structure has been extensively studied, showing that it belongs to the type II PETase group. Unlike type I PETases that include most known cutinases, structural investigations of type II PETases have only been conducted since 2017. Type II PETases are further divided into type IIa and IIb enzymes. Moreover, even less research has been conducted on type IIa plastic-degrading enzymes. Here, we present a review of recent studies of the structure and mechanism of type II PETases, using the known structure of the type IIa PETase PE-H from the marine bacterium Pseudomonas aestusnigri in addition to the type IIb enzyme IsPETase as representatives. These studies have provided new insights into the structural features of type II PETases that exhibit PET catalytic activity. In addition, recent studies investigating the rational design of IsPETases are reviewed and summarized alongside a discussion of controversies surrounding PETase investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Duan
- College of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, Shandong, China.
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, Shandong, China
| | - Tianzhu Chao
- College of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, Shandong, China
| | - Yaoyao Wu
- College of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, Shandong, China
| | - Mengying Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hong H, Ki D, Seo H, Park J, Jang J, Kim KJ. Discovery and rational engineering of PET hydrolase with both mesophilic and thermophilic PET hydrolase properties. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4556. [PMID: 37507390 PMCID: PMC10382486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40233-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste causes a variety of problems. Extensive research focused on the development of superior PET hydrolases for PET biorecycling has been conducted. However, template enzymes employed in enzyme engineering mainly focused on IsPETase and leaf-branch compost cutinase, which exhibit mesophilic and thermophilic hydrolytic properties, respectively. Herein, we report a PET hydrolase from Cryptosporangium aurantiacum (CaPETase) that exhibits high thermostability and remarkable PET degradation activity at ambient temperatures. We uncover the crystal structure of CaPETase, which displays a distinct backbone conformation at the active site and residues forming the substrate binding cleft, compared with other PET hydrolases. We further develop a CaPETaseM9 variant that exhibits robust thermostability with a Tm of 83.2 °C and 41.7-fold enhanced PET hydrolytic activity at 60 °C compared with CaPETaseWT. CaPETaseM9 almost completely decompose both transparent and colored post-consumer PET powder at 55 °C within half a day in a pH-stat bioreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwaseok Hong
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwoo Ki
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hogyun Seo
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Jang
- Institute of Biotechnology, CJ CheilJedang Co., Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16495, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jin Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- Zyen Co, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen L, Fan F, Yang M, Wang L, Bai Y, Qiu S, Lyu C, Huang J. Atomistic insight into the binding mode and self-regulation mechanism of IsPETase towards PET substrates with different polymerization degrees. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023. [PMID: 37401198 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01700a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most widely used synthetic polyesters, however, its extensive use creates a long-term environmental burden. Unlike traditional recycling methods, biodegradation is a sustainable strategy. The emergence of PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 (IsPETase) has brought great potential for the industrialization of degradable PET. In this work, models of enzyme-substrate complexes with different degrees of polymerization were established to study the binding mode using molecular dynamics simulation. We found that the whole binding site can be further subdivided into three parts, including head, middle and tail binding regions. Most importantly, the presence of the middle region formed by both ends of Ser93 and Ser236 provides a potential possibility for the binding of substrates with different chain lengths, and exerts the self-regulation ability of enzymes to accommodate substrates. Meanwhile, the 'pocket bottom' Arg280 in the tail region echoes the 'pocket mouth' Trp185 in the head region, defining the substrate binding region. This work reveals the self-regulation of IsPETase, as well as the key residues for the substrate binding. The solution to these problems enables us to better understand the function of enzymes and design high-performance degradation enzymes, which is of great significance for industrial application research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Fangfang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 360015, P. R. China
| | - Meiyuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Linquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Yushuo Bai
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Shuai Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Changjiang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Processing Technology for Farm Products of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agricultural Biological Resources Biochemical Manufacturing, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Richter PK, Blázquez-Sánchez P, Zhao Z, Engelberger F, Wiebeler C, Künze G, Frank R, Krinke D, Frezzotti E, Lihanova Y, Falkenstein P, Matysik J, Zimmermann W, Sträter N, Sonnendecker C. Structure and function of the metagenomic plastic-degrading polyester hydrolase PHL7 bound to its product. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1905. [PMID: 37019924 PMCID: PMC10076380 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered metagenomic-derived polyester hydrolase PHL7 is able to efficiently degrade amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in post-consumer plastic waste. We present the cocrystal structure of this hydrolase with its hydrolysis product terephthalic acid and elucidate the influence of 17 single mutations on the PET-hydrolytic activity and thermal stability of PHL7. The substrate-binding mode of terephthalic acid is similar to that of the thermophilic polyester hydrolase LCC and deviates from the mesophilic IsPETase. The subsite I modifications L93F and Q95Y, derived from LCC, increased the thermal stability, while exchange of H185S, derived from IsPETase, reduced the stability of PHL7. The subsite II residue H130 is suggested to represent an adaptation for high thermal stability, whereas L210 emerged as the main contributor to the observed high PET-hydrolytic activity. Variant L210T showed significantly higher activity, achieving a degradation rate of 20 µm h-1 with amorphous PET films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Konstantin Richter
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Ziyue Zhao
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felipe Engelberger
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wiebeler
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg Künze
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ronny Frank
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dana Krinke
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emanuele Frezzotti
- Department of Chemical Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Yuliia Lihanova
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Matysik
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Sträter
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sevilla ME, Garcia MD, Perez-Castillo Y, Armijos-Jaramillo V, Casado S, Vizuete K, Debut A, Cerda-Mejía L. Degradation of PET Bottles by an Engineered Ideonella sakaiensis PETase. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071779. [PMID: 37050393 PMCID: PMC10098701 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive plastic production has become a serious environmental and health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment of plastic waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used polymers and is accumulating in landfills or elsewhere in nature at alarming rates. In recent years, enzymatic degradation of PET by Ideonella sakaiensis PETase (IsPETase), a cutinase-like enzyme, has emerged as a promising strategy to completely depolymerize this polymer into its building blocks. Here, inspired by the architecture of cutinases and lipases homologous to IsPETase and using 3D structure information of the enzyme, we rationally designed three mutations in IsPETase active site for enhancing its PET-degrading activity. In particular, the S238Y mutant, located nearby the catalytic triad, showed a degradation activity increased by 3.3-fold in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. Importantly, this structural modification favoured the function of the enzyme in breaking down highly crystallized (~31%) PET, which is found in commercial soft drink bottles. In addition, microscopical analysis of enzyme-treated PET samples showed that IsPETase acts better when the smooth surface of highly crystalline PET is altered by mechanical stress. These results represent important progress in the accomplishment of a sustainable and complete degradation of PET pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Sevilla
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Mario D Garcia
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Yunierkis Perez-Castillo
- Área de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Vinicio Armijos-Jaramillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Casado
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Karla Vizuete
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
| | - Alexis Debut
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
| | - Liliana Cerda-Mejía
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zurier HS, Goddard JM. A high-throughput expression and screening platform for applications-driven PETase engineering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1000-1014. [PMID: 36575047 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The environmental consequences of plastic waste have impacted all kingdoms of life in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, as the burden of plastic pollution has increased, microbes have evolved to utilize anthropogenic polymers as nutrient sources. Of depolymerase enzymes, the best characterized is PETase, which hydrolyzes aromatic polyesters. PETase engineering has made impressive progress in recent years; however, further optimization of engineered PETase toward industrial application has been limited by lower throughput techniques used in protein purification and activity detection. Here, we address these deficiencies through development of a higher-throughput PETase engineering platform. Secretory expression via YebF tagging eliminates lysis and purification steps, facilitating production of large mutant libraries. Fluorescent detection of degradation products permits rapid screening of depolymerase activity in microplates as opposed to serial chromatographic methods. This approach enabled development of more stable PETase, semi-rational (SR) PETase variant containing previously unpublished mutations. SR-PETase releases 1.9-fold more degradation products and has up to 7.4-fold higher activity than wild-type PETase over 10 days at 40°C. These methods can be adapted to a variety of chemical environments, enabling screening of PETase mutants in applications-relevant conditions. Overall, this work promises to facilitate advancements in PETase engineering toward industrial depolymerization of plastic waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Zurier
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Julie M Goddard
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shi L, Liu P, Tan Z, Zhao W, Gao J, Gu Q, Ma H, Liu H, Zhu L. Complete Depolymerization of PET Wastes by an Evolved PET Hydrolase from Directed Evolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218390. [PMID: 36751696 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PETase displays great potential in PET depolymerization. Directed evolution has been limited to engineer PETase due to the lack of high-throughput screening assay. In this study, a novel fluorescence-based high-throughput screening assay employing a newly designed substrate, bis (2-hydroxyethyl) 2-hydroxyterephthalate (termed BHET-OH), was developed for PET hydrolases. The best variant DepoPETase produced 1407-fold more products towards amorphous PET film at 50 °C and showed a 23.3 °C higher Tm value than the PETase WT. DepoPETase enabled complete depolymerization of seven untreated PET wastes and 19.1 g PET waste (0.4 % Wenzyme /WPET ) in liter-scale reactor, suggesting that it is a potential candidate for industrial PET depolymerization processes. The molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the distal substitutions stabilized the loops around the active sites and transmitted the stabilization effect to the active sites through enhancing inter-loop interactions network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Pi Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Zijian Tan
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Junfei Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Qun Gu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Hongwu Ma
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Leilei Zhu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tournier V, Duquesne S, Guillamot F, Cramail H, Taton D, Marty A, André I. Enzymes' Power for Plastics Degradation. Chem Rev 2023; 123:5612-5701. [PMID: 36916764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are everywhere in our modern way of living, and their production keeps increasing every year, causing major environmental concerns. Nowadays, the end-of-life management involves accumulation in landfills, incineration, and recycling to a lower extent. This ecological threat to the environment is inspiring alternative bio-based solutions for plastic waste treatment and recycling toward a circular economy. Over the past decade, considerable efforts have been made to degrade commodity plastics using biocatalytic approaches. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the recent advances in enzyme-based biocatalysis and in the design of related biocatalytic processes to recycle or upcycle commodity plastics, including polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and polyolefins. We also discuss scope and limitations, challenges, and opportunities of this field of research. An important message from this review is that polymer-assimilating enzymes are very likely part of the solution to reaching a circular plastic economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Tournier
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sophie Duquesne
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France, 135, avenue de Rangueil, F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
| | - Frédérique Guillamot
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Henri Cramail
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Daniel Taton
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Alain Marty
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle André
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France, 135, avenue de Rangueil, F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu K, Xu Z, Zhao Z, Chen Y, Chai Y, Ma L, Li S. A Dual Fluorescence Assay Enables High-Throughput Screening for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Hydrolases. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202202019. [PMID: 36511949 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The drastically increasing consumption of petroleum-derived plastics hasserious environmental impacts and raises public concerns. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is amongst the most extensively produced synthetic polymers. Enzymatic hydrolysis of PET recently emerged as an enticing path for plastic degradation and recycling. In-lab directed evolution has revealed the great potential of PET hydrolases (PETases). However, the time-consuming and laborious PETase assays hinder the identification of effective variants in large mutant libraries. Herein, we devise and validate a dual fluorescence-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for a representative IsPETase. The two-round HTS of a pilot library consisting of 2850 IsPETase variants yields six mutant IsPETases with 1.3-4.9 folds improved activities. Compared to the currently used structure- or computational redesign-based PETase engineering, this HTS approach provides a new strategy for discovery of new beneficial mutation patterns of PETases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Ziping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yuexing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yating Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Shengying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, No. 168 Wenhai Middle Rd, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kumar V, Sharma N, Duhan L, Pasrija R, Thomas J, Umesh M, Lakkaboyana SK, Andler R, Vangnai AS, Vithanage M, Awasthi MK, Chia WY, LokeShow P, Barceló D. Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104045. [PMID: 36572198 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engineering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602105, India; Ecotoxicity and Bioconversion Laboratory, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India.
| | - Neha Sharma
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Lucky Duhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Ritu Pasrija
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Jithin Thomas
- Department of Biotechnology, Mar Athanasius College, Kerala, India
| | - Mridul Umesh
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - Sivarama Krishna Lakkaboyana
- Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai 600062, India
| | - Rodrigo Andler
- Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales (Cenbio), Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile
| | - Alisa S Vangnai
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wen Yi Chia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Pau LokeShow
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai 602105, India
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Parc Científic i Tecnològic de la Universitat de Girona, c/Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, 17003 Girona, Spain; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Joho Y, Vongsouthi V, Spence MA, Ton J, Gomez C, Tan LL, Kaczmarski JA, Caputo AT, Royan S, Jackson CJ, Ardevol A. Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction Identifies Structural Changes Underlying the Evolution of Ideonella sakaiensis PETase and Variants with Improved Stability and Activity. Biochemistry 2023; 62:437-450. [PMID: 35951410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The improved production, recycling, and removal of plastic waste, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are pressing environmental and economic issues for society. Biocatalytic (enzymatic) PET depolymerization is potentially a sustainable, low-energy solution to PET recycling, especially when compared with current disposal methods such as landfills, incineration, or gasification. IsPETase has been extensively studied for its use in PET depolymerization; however, its evolution from cutinases is not fully understood, and most engineering studies have neglected the majority of the available sequence space remote from the active site. In this study, ancestral protein reconstruction (ASR) has been used to trace the evolutionary trajectory from ancient serine hydrolases to IsPETase, while ASR and the related design approach, protein repair one-stop shop, were used to identify enzyme variants with improved activity and stability. Kinetic and structural characterization of these variants reveals new insights into the evolution of PETase activity and the role of second-shell mutations around the active site. Among the designed and reconstructed variants, we identified several with melting points 20 °C higher than that of IsPETase and two variants with significantly higher catalytic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Joho
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Vanessa Vongsouthi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Matthew A Spence
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer Ton
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Chloe Gomez
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Li Lynn Tan
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Joe A Kaczmarski
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Synthetic Biology, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alessandro T Caputo
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Santana Royan
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Synthetic Biology, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Albert Ardevol
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mrigwani A, Thakur B, Guptasarma P. Counter-intuitive enhancement of degradation of polyethylene terephthalate through engineering of lowered enzyme binding to solid plastic. Proteins 2023; 91:807-821. [PMID: 36629323 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Degradation of solid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by leaf branch compost cutinase (LCC) produces various PET-derived degradation intermediates (DIs), in addition to terephthalic acid (TPA), which is the recyclable terminal product of all PET degradation. Although DIs can also be converted into TPA, in solution, by LCC, the TPA that is obtained through enzymatic degradation of PET, in practice, is always contaminated by DIs. Here, we demonstrate that the primary reason for non-degradation of DIs into TPA in solution is the efficient binding of LCC onto the surface of solid PET. Although such binding enhances the degradation of solid PET, it depletes the surrounding solution of enzyme that could otherwise have converted DIs into TPA. To retain a subpopulation of enzyme in solution that would mainly degrade DIs, we introduced mutations to reduce the hydrophobicity of areas surrounding LCC's active site, with the express intention of reducing LCC's binding to solid PET. Despite the consequent reduction in invasion and degradation of solid PET, overall levels of production of TPA were ~3.6-fold higher, due to the partitioning of enzyme between solid PET and the surrounding solution, and the consequent heightened production of TPA from DIs. Further, synergy between such mutated LCC (F125L/F243I LCC) and wild-type LCC resulted in even higher yields, and TPA of nearly ~100% purity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Mrigwani
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering (CPSDE) and Hyperthermophile Enzyme Hydrolase Research Centre (HEHRC), Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Punjab, India
| | - Bhishem Thakur
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering (CPSDE) and Hyperthermophile Enzyme Hydrolase Research Centre (HEHRC), Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Punjab, India
| | - Purnananda Guptasarma
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering (CPSDE) and Hyperthermophile Enzyme Hydrolase Research Centre (HEHRC), Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bhanot V, Panwar J. Unveiling the potential of Lichtheimia ramosa AJP11 for myco-transformation of polystyrene sulfonate and its driving molecular mechanism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 325:116579. [PMID: 36302301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern due to its deleterious effects on various ecosystems. The limitations and shortcomings of waste management strategies has led to the over-accumulation of plastic waste, mainly comprised of single-use plastics, such as polystyrene (PS). Considering the advantages of biotransformation over the other plastic disposal methods, it has become a major focus of the modern research. Biotransformation of plastics involves its microbial hydrolysis into short chain oligomers and monomers that are eventually assimilated as carbon source by the microbes leading to the release of CO2. As fungi are known to possess multifarious and highly regulated enzyme system capable of utilizing diverse nutrient sources, the present study explored the potential of Lichtheimia ramosa AJP11 towards myco-transformation of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a structural analogue of polystyrene (PS). During the 30-day incubation period of L. ramosa AJP11 in minimal salt medium (MSM)+1% PSS, the fungus showed 41.6% increment in its fresh weight biomass, indicating the utilization of PSS as sole carbon source. Further analysis revealed the generation of various reaction intermediates such as alkanes and fatty acids, crucial for the continuum of fungal metabolic pathways. Moreover, detection of PS oligomers such as cyclohexane and 2,4-DTBP confirmed the myco-transformation of PSS. The extracellular fungal protein profile showed considerable overexpression of a 14.4 kDa protein, characterized to be a hydrophobic surface binding (Hsb) protein, which is hypothesized to adsorb onto the PSS to facilitate its transformation. Further, in silico analysis of Hsb protein indicated it to be an amphiphilic α-helical protein with ability to bind styrene sulfonate unit via both hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions, with a binding energy of -5.02 kcal mol-1. These findings open new avenues for over expression of Hsb under controlled reactor conditions to accelerate the PS waste disposal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishalakshi Bhanot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jitendra Panwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ambrose-Dempster E, Leipold L, Dobrijevic D, Bawn M, Carter EM, Stojanovski G, Sheppard TD, Jeffries JWE, Ward JM, Hailes HC. Mechanoenzymatic reactions for the hydrolysis of PET †. RSC Adv 2023; 13:9954-9962. [PMID: 37006375 PMCID: PMC10050947 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01708g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the enzymatic degradation of poly(ethylene terphthalate) (PET) have led to a number of PET hydrolytic enzymes and mutants being developed. With the amount of PET building up in the natural world, there is a pressing need to develop scalable methods of breaking down the polymer into its monomers for recycling or other uses. Mechanoenzymatic reactions have gained traction recently as a green and efficient alternative to traditional biocatalytic reactions. For the first time we report increased yields of PET degradation by whole cell PETase enzymes by up to 27-fold by utilising ball milling cycles of reactive aging, when compared with typical solution-based reactions. This methodology leads to up to a 2600-fold decrease in the solvent required when compared with other leading degradation reactions in the field and a 30-fold decrease in comparison to reported industrial scale PET hydrolysis reactions. Mechanoenzymatic reactions are described for the degradation of different PET materials using whole cell PETases.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leona Leipold
- Department of Chemistry, University College London20 Gordon StreetLondonWC1H 0AJUK
| | - Dragana Dobrijevic
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College LondonBernard Katz Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Maria Bawn
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College LondonBernard Katz Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Eve M. Carter
- Department of Chemistry, University College London20 Gordon StreetLondonWC1H 0AJUK
| | - Gorjan Stojanovski
- Department of Chemistry, University College London20 Gordon StreetLondonWC1H 0AJUK
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College LondonBernard Katz Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Tom D. Sheppard
- Department of Chemistry, University College London20 Gordon StreetLondonWC1H 0AJUK
| | - Jack W. E. Jeffries
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College LondonBernard Katz Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - John M. Ward
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College LondonBernard Katz Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Helen C. Hailes
- Department of Chemistry, University College London20 Gordon StreetLondonWC1H 0AJUK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shrimpton‐Phoenix E, Mitchell JBO, Bühl M. Computational Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism of Is-PETase: An Enzyme Capable of Degrading Poly(ethylene) Terephthalate. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201728. [PMID: 36112344 PMCID: PMC10091965 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Is-PETase has become an enzyme of significant interest due to its ability to catalyse the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at mesophilic temperatures. We performed hybrid quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) at the DSD-PBEP86-D3/ma-def2-TZVP/CHARMM27//rev-PBE-D3/dev2-SVP/CHARMM level to calculate the energy profile for the degradation of a suitable PET model by this enzyme. Very low overall barriers are computed for serine protease-type hydrolysis steps (as low as 34.1 kJ mol-1 ). Spontaneous deprotonation of the final product, terephthalic acid, with a high computed driving force indicates that product release could be rate limiting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Bühl
- EaStChem School of ChemistryUniversity of St AndrewsKY16 9STSt AndrewsUK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Biodegradation of highly crystallized poly(ethylene terephthalate) through cell surface codisplay of bacterial PETase and hydrophobin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7138. [PMID: 36414665 PMCID: PMC9681837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34908-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of recycling poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) remains a major challenge due to the enzymatic degradation of high-crystallinity PET (hcPET). Recently, a bacterial PET-degrading enzyme, PETase, was found to have the ability to degrade the hcPET, but with low enzymatic activity. Here we present an engineered whole-cell biocatalyst to simulate both the adsorption and degradation steps in the enzymatic degradation process of PETase to achieve the efficient degradation of hcPET. Our data shows that the adhesive unit hydrophobin and degradation unit PETase are functionally displayed on the surface of yeast cells. The turnover rate of the whole-cell biocatalyst toward hcPET (crystallinity of 45%) dramatically increases approximately 328.8-fold compared with that of purified PETase at 30 °C. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations explain how the enhanced adhesion can promote the enzymatic degradation of PET. This study demonstrates engineering the whole-cell catalyst is an efficient strategy for biodegradation of PET.
Collapse
|
38
|
Kosiorowska KE, Moreno AD, Iglesias R, Leluk K, Mirończuk AM. Production of PETase by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica for efficient poly(ethylene terephthalate) biodegradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157358. [PMID: 35850328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET degradation studies in the last few years due to its widespread use and large-scale plastic waste accumulation in the environment. One of the most promising enzymatic methods in the context of PET degradation is the use of PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis, which has been reported to be an efficient enzyme for hydrolysing ester bonds in PET. In our study, we expressed a codon-optimized PETase gene in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. The obtained strain was tested for its ability to degrade PET directly in culture, and a screening of different supplements that might raise the level of PET hydrolysis was performed. We also carried out long-term cultures with PET film, the surface of which was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The efficiency of PET degradation was tested based on the concentration of degradation products released, and the results showed that supplementation of the culture with olive oil resulted in 66 % higher release of terephthalic acid into the medium compared to the mutant culture without supplementation. The results indicate the possibility of ethylene glycol uptake by both strains, and, additionally, the PETase produced by the newly engineered strain hydrolyses MHET. The structure of the PET film after culture with the modified strain, meanwhile, had numerous surface defects, cracks, and deformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna E Kosiorowska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Antonio D Moreno
- Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Unit, Department of Energy, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Raquel Iglesias
- Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Unit, Department of Energy, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Karol Leluk
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra M Mirończuk
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kim NK, Lee SH, Park HD. Current biotechnologies on depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and repolymerization of reclaimed monomers from PET for bio-upcycling: A critical review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127931. [PMID: 36100185 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has drastically increased in the past half-century, reaching 30 million tons every year. The accumulation of this recalcitrant waste now threatens diverse ecosystems. Despite efforts to recycle PET wastes, its rate of recycling remains limited, as the current PET downcycling is mostly unremunerative. To address this problem, PET bio-upcycling, which integrates microbial depolymerization of PET followed by repolymerization of PET-derived monomers into value-added products, has been suggested. This article critically reviews current understanding of microbial PET hydrolysis, the metabolic mechanisms involved in PET degradation, PET hydrolases, and their genetic improvement. Furthermore, this review includes the use of meta-omics approaches to search PET-degrading microbiomes, microbes, and putative hydrolases. The current development of biosynthetic technologies to convert PET-derived materials into value-added products is also comprehensively discussed. The integration of various depolymerization and repolymerization biotechnologies enhances the prospects of a circular economy using waste PET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na-Kyung Kim
- School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Lee
- School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee-Deung Park
- School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Khairul Anuar NFS, Huyop F, Ur-Rehman G, Abdullah F, Normi YM, Sabullah MK, Abdul Wahab R. An Overview into Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Hydrolases and Efforts in Tailoring Enzymes for Improved Plastic Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12644. [PMID: 36293501 PMCID: PMC9603852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic or microplastic pollution is a global threat affecting ecosystems, with the current generation reaching as much as 400 metric tons per/year. Soil ecosystems comprising agricultural lands act as microplastics sinks, though the impact could be unexpectedly more far-reaching. This is troubling as most plastic forms, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), formed from polymerized terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) monomers, are non-biodegradable environmental pollutants. The current approach to use mechanical, thermal, and chemical-based treatments to reduce PET waste remains cost-prohibitive and could potentially produce toxic secondary pollutants. Thus, better remediation methods must be developed to deal with plastic pollutants in marine and terrestrial environments. Enzymatic treatments could be a plausible avenue to overcome plastic pollutants, given the near-ambient conditions under which enzymes function without the need for chemicals. The discovery of several PET hydrolases, along with further modification of the enzymes, has considerably aided efforts to improve their ability to degrade the ester bond of PET. Hence, this review emphasizes PET-degrading microbial hydrolases and their contribution to alleviating environmental microplastics. Information on the molecular and degradation mechanisms of PET is also highlighted in this review, which might be useful in the future rational engineering of PET-hydrolyzing enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Fatin Syamimi Khairul Anuar
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Enzyme Technology and Green Synthesis Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Fahrul Huyop
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Ghani Ur-Rehman
- Enzyme Technology and Green Synthesis Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Faizuan Abdullah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Yahaya M. Normi
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Center, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Khalizan Sabullah
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Roswanira Abdul Wahab
- Enzyme Technology and Green Synthesis Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zurier HS, Goddard JM. Directed Immobilization of PETase on Mesoporous Silica Enables Sustained Depolymerase Activity in Synthetic Wastewater Conditions. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4981-4992. [PMID: 36194455 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic accumulation in terrestrial and aquatic environments is a growing environmental challenge. Biodegradation has shown promise as an intervention strategy for reducing the spread of microplastics. The wastewater treatment system is a key intervention point in microplastic biodegradation due to its pivotal role in the water cycle at the interface between human activity and the environmental. However, the best characterized microplastic degradation enzyme, PETase, lacks the stability to perform at scale in wastewater treatment. In this work, we show that genetic fusion of PETase to a silica binding peptide enables directed immobilization of the enzyme onto silica nanoparticles. PETase activity in simulated wastewater conditions is quantified by linear regression from time zero to the time of maximum fluorescence of a fluorescent oxidized product of PETase degradation of PET microfibers. Mesoporous silica is shown to be a superior support material to nonporous silica. The resulting biocatalytic nanomaterial has up to 2.5-fold enhanced stability and 6.2-fold increased activity compared to free enzyme in unbuffered, 40 °C simulated influent (ionic strength ∼15 mM). In unbuffered, 40 °C simulated effluent (ionic strength ∼700 μM), reaction velocity and overall catalytic activity were increased by the biocatalytic material 2.1-fold relative to free PETase. All reactions were performed in 0.2 mL volumes, and enzyme concentrations were normalized across both free and immobilized samples to 9 μg/mL. Site-directed mutagenesis is shown to be a complementary technique to directed immobilization, which may aid in optimization of the biomaterial for wastewater applications. PETase stabilization in application-relevant environments as shown here enables progress toward application of PETase for microplastic biodegradation in wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Zurier
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York14853, United States
| | - Julie M Goddard
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Aer L, Jiang Q, Gul I, Qi Z, Feng J, Tang L. Overexpression and kinetic analysis of Ideonella sakaiensis PETase for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113472. [PMID: 35577005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ideonella sakaiensis PET hydrolase (IsPETase) is a well-characterized enzyme for effective PET biodegradation. However, the low soluble expression level of the enzyme hampers its practical implementation in the biodegradation of PET. Herein, the expression of IsPETaseMut, one of the most active mutants of IsPETase obtained so far, was systematically explored in E. coli by adopting a series of strategies. A notable improvement of soluble IsPETaseMut was observed by using chaperon co-expression and fusion expression systems. Under the optimized conditions, GroEL/ES co-expression system yielded 75 ± 3.4 mg·L-1 purified soluble IsPETaseMut (GroEL/ES), and NusA fusion expression system yielded 80 ± 3.7 mg·L-1 purified soluble NusA-IsPETaseMut, which are 12.5- and 4.6-fold, respectively, higher than its commonly expression in E. coli. The two purified enzymes were further characterized. The results showed that IsPETaseMut (GroEL/ES) displayed the same catalytic behavior as IsPETaseMut, while the fusion of NusA conferred new enzymatic properties to IsPETaseMut. Although NusA-IsPETaseMut displayed a lower initial hydrolysis capacity than IsPETaseMut, it showed a 1.4-fold higher adsorption constant toward PET. Moreover, the product inhibition effect of terephthalic acid (TPA) on IsPETase was reduced with NusA-IsPETaseMut. Taken together, the latter two catalytic properties of NusA-IsPETaseMut are more likely to contribute to the enhanced product release by NusA-IsPETaseMut PET degradation for two weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhu Aer
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Qifa Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Ijaz Gul
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Zixuan Qi
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Juan Feng
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China; Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Lixia Tang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China; Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
An NMR look at an engineered PET depolymerase. Biophys J 2022; 121:2882-2894. [PMID: 35794828 PMCID: PMC9388554 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic environmental pollution is a major issue that our generation must face to protect our planet. Plastic recycling has the potential not only to reduce the pollution but also to limit the need for fossil-fuel-based production of new plastics. Enzymes capable of breaking down plastic could thereby support such a circular economy. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzymes have recently attracted considerable interest and have been subjected to intensive enzyme engineering to improve their characteristics. A quadruple mutant of Leaf-branch Compost Cutinase (LCC) was identified as a most efficient and promising enzyme. Here, we use NMR to follow the initial LCC enzyme through its different mutations that lead to its improved performance. We experimentally define the two calcium-binding sites and show their importance on the all-or-nothing thermal unfolding process, which occurs at a temperature of 72°C close to the PET glass transition temperature. Using various NMR probes such as backbone amide, methyl group, and histidine side-chain resonances, we probe the interaction of the enzymes with mono-(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalic acid. The latter experiments are interpreted in terms of accessibility of the active site to the polymer chain.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhao X, Boruah B, Chin KF, Đokić M, Modak JM, Soo HS. Upcycling to Sustainably Reuse Plastics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2100843. [PMID: 34240472 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are now indispensable in daily lives. However, the pollution from plastics is also increasingly becoming a serious environmental issue. Recent years have seen more sustainable approaches and technologies, commonly known as upcycling, to transform plastics into value-added materials and chemical feedstocks. In this review, the latest research on upcycling is presented, with a greater focus on the use of renewable energy as well as the more selective methods to repurpose synthetic polymers. First, thermal upcycling approaches are briefly introduced, including the redeployment of plastics for construction uses, 3D printing precursors, and lightweight materials. Then, some of the latest novel strategies to deconstruct condensation polymers to monomers for repolymerization or introduce vulnerable linkers to make the plastics more degradable are discussed. Subsequently, the review will explore the breakthroughs in plastics upcycling by heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalysis, as well as electrocatalysis, which transform plastics into more versatile fine chemicals and materials while simultaneously mitigating global climate change. In addition, some of the biotechnological advances in the discovery and engineering of microbes that can decompose plastics are also presented. Finally, the current challenges and outlook for future plastics upcycling are discussed to stimulate global cooperation in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Bhanupriya Boruah
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Kek Foo Chin
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Miloš Đokić
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Jayant M Modak
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Han Sen Soo
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
- Artificial Photosynthesis (Solar Fuels) Laboratory, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Charupanit K, Tipmanee V, Sutthibutpong T, Limsakul P. In Silico Identification of Potential Sites for a Plastic-Degrading Enzyme by a Reverse Screening through the Protein Sequence Space and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103353. [PMID: 35630830 PMCID: PMC9143596 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) seriously harms the environment because of its high resistance to degradation. The recent discovery of the bacteria-secreted biodegradation enzyme, PETase, sheds light on PET recycling; however, the degradation efficiency is far from practical use. Here, in silico alanine scanning mutagenesis (ASM) and site-saturation mutagenesis (SSM) were employed to construct the protein sequence space from binding energy of the PETase–PET interaction to identify the number and position of mutation sites and their appropriate side-chain properties that could improve the PETase–PET interaction. The binding mechanisms of the potential PETase variant were investigated through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that up to two mutation sites of PETase are preferable for use in protein engineering to enhance the PETase activity, and the proper side chain property depends on the mutation sites. The predicted variants agree well with prior experimental studies. Particularly, the PETase variants with S238C or Q119F could be a potential candidate for improving PETase. Our combination of in silico ASM and SSM could serve as an alternative protocol for protein engineering because of its simplicity and reliability. In addition, our findings could lead to PETase improvement, offering an important contribution towards a sustainable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krit Charupanit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.C.); (V.T.)
| | - Varomyalin Tipmanee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.C.); (V.T.)
| | - Thana Sutthibutpong
- Theoretical and Computational Physics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok 10140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence in Theoretical and Computational Science (TaCS-CoE), Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Praopim Limsakul
- Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor (TAB-CoE), Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gomes M, Rondelez Y, Leibler L. Lessons from Biomass Valorization for Improving Plastic-Recycling Enzymes. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2022; 13:457-479. [PMID: 35378043 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-092120-091054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers such as plastics exhibit numerous advantageous properties that have made them essential components of our daily lives, with plastic production doubling every 15 years. The relatively low cost of petroleum-based polymers encourages their single use and overconsumption. Synthetic plastics are recalcitrant to biodegradation, and mismanagement of plastic waste leads to their accumulation in the ecosystem, resulting in a disastrous environmental footprint. Enzymes capable of depolymerizing plastics have been reported recently that may provide a starting point for eco-friendly plastic recycling routes. However, some questions remain about the mechanisms by which enzymes can digest insoluble solid substrates. We review the characterization and engineering of plastic-eating enzymes and provide some comparisons with the field of lignocellulosic biomass valorization. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Volume 13 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Gomes
- Laboratoire Gulliver (UMR 7083), CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris, France; ;
| | - Yannick Rondelez
- Laboratoire Gulliver (UMR 7083), CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris, France; ;
| | - Ludwik Leibler
- Laboratoire Gulliver (UMR 7083), CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris, France; ;
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Verschoor JA, Kusumawardhani H, Ram AFJ, de Winde JH. Toward Microbial Recycling and Upcycling of Plastics: Prospects and Challenges. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:821629. [PMID: 35401461 PMCID: PMC8985596 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.821629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, 400 Mt of plastics are produced of which roughly 40% is discarded within a year. Current plastic waste management approaches focus on applying physical, thermal, and chemical treatments of plastic polymers. However, these methods have severe limitations leading to the loss of valuable materials and resources. Another major drawback is the rapid accumulation of plastics into the environment causing one of the biggest environmental threats of the twenty-first century. Therefore, to complement current plastic management approaches novel routes toward plastic degradation and upcycling need to be developed. Enzymatic degradation and conversion of plastics present a promising approach toward sustainable recycling of plastics and plastics building blocks. However, the quest for novel enzymes that efficiently operate in cost-effective, large-scale plastics degradation poses many challenges. To date, a wide range of experimental set-ups has been reported, in many cases lacking a detailed investigation of microbial species exhibiting plastics degrading properties as well as of their corresponding plastics degrading enzymes. The apparent lack of consistent approaches compromises the necessary discovery of a wide range of novel enzymes. In this review, we discuss prospects and possibilities for efficient enzymatic degradation, recycling, and upcycling of plastics, in correlation with their wide diversity and broad utilization. Current methods for the identification and optimization of plastics degrading enzymes are compared and discussed. We present a framework for a standardized workflow, allowing transparent discovery and optimization of novel enzymes for efficient and sustainable plastics degradation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Anne Verschoor
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arthur F. J. Ram
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Johannes H. de Winde
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wei R, von Haugwitz G, Pfaff L, Mican J, Badenhorst CP, Liu W, Weber G, Austin HP, Bednar D, Damborsky J, Bornscheuer UT. Mechanism-Based Design of Efficient PET Hydrolases. ACS Catal 2022; 12:3382-3396. [PMID: 35368328 PMCID: PMC8939324 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widespread synthetic polyester, having been utilized in textile fibers and packaging materials for beverages and food, contributing considerably to the global solid waste stream and environmental plastic pollution. While enzymatic PET recycling and upcycling have recently emerged as viable disposal methods for a circular plastic economy, only a handful of benchmark enzymes have been thoroughly described and subjected to protein engineering for improved properties over the last 16 years. By analyzing the specific material properties of PET and the reaction mechanisms in the context of interfacial biocatalysis, this Perspective identifies several limitations in current enzymatic PET degradation approaches. Unbalanced enzyme-substrate interactions, limited thermostability, and low catalytic efficiency at elevated reaction temperatures, and inhibition caused by oligomeric degradation intermediates still hamper industrial applications that require high catalytic efficiency. To overcome these limitations, successful protein engineering studies using innovative experimental and computational approaches have been published extensively in recent years in this thriving research field and are summarized and discussed in detail here. The acquired knowledge and experience will be applied in the near future to address plastic waste contributed by other mass-produced polymer types (e.g., polyamides and polyurethanes) that should also be properly disposed by biotechnological approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Wei
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gerlis von Haugwitz
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lara Pfaff
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Mican
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty
of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International
Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital and
Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christoffel P.
S. Badenhorst
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Weidong Liu
- Tianjin
Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport
Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Gert Weber
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
für Materialien und Energie, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Harry P. Austin
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty
of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International
Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital and
Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty
of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International
Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital and
Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Uwe T. Bornscheuer
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pasula RR, Lim S, Ghadessy FJ, Sana B. The influences of substrates' physical properties on enzymatic PET hydrolysis: Implications for PET hydrolase engineering. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2022; 6:17-22. [PMID: 36968557 PMCID: PMC9995159 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution in diverse terrestrial and marine environments is a widely recognised and growing problem. Bio-recycling and upcycling of plastic waste is a potential solution to plastic pollution, as these processes convert plastic waste into useful materials. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most abundant plastic waste, and this material can be degraded by a class of recently discovered bacterial esterase enzymes known as PET hydrolases (PETase). Investigations of the enzymatic hydrolysis of diverse PET molecules have clearly revealed that the biodegradability of various PET substrates depends on both their chemical structure and physical properties, including polymer length, crystallinity, glass transition temperature, surface area, and surface charge. This review summarises the known impacts of crystallinity and other physical properties on enzymatic PET hydrolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Reddy Pasula
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Farid J. Ghadessy
- Disease Intervention Technology LaboratoryInstitute of Molecular and Cell BiologyAgency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR)BiopolisSingapore
| | - Barindra Sana
- Disease Intervention Technology LaboratoryInstitute of Molecular and Cell BiologyAgency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR)BiopolisSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Guo B, Vanga SR, Lopez-Lorenzo X, Saenz-Mendez P, Ericsson SR, Fang Y, Ye X, Schriever K, Bäckström E, Biundo A, Zubarev RA, Furó I, Hakkarainen M, Syrén PO. Conformational Selection in Biocatalytic Plastic Degradation by PETase. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Guo
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sudarsana Reddy Vanga
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ximena Lopez-Lorenzo
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patricia Saenz-Mendez
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Rönnblad Ericsson
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuan Fang
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinchen Ye
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karen Schriever
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Bäckström
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonino Biundo
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman A. Zubarev
- Division of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, SE-171 21 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacological & Technological Chemistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - István Furó
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minna Hakkarainen
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Syrén
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|