1
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Hu Y, Tian Y, Zou C, Moon TS. The current progress of tandem chemical and biological plastic upcycling. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 77:108462. [PMID: 39395608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108462] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Each year, millions of tons of plastics are produced for use in such applications as packaging, construction, and textiles. While plastic is undeniably useful and convenient, its environmental fate and transport have raised growing concerns about waste and pollution. However, the ease and low cost of producing virgin plastic have so far made conventional plastic recycling economically unattractive. Common contaminants in plastic waste and shortcomings of the recycling processes themselves typically mean that recycled plastic products are of relatively low quality in some cases. The high cost and high energy requirements of typical recycling operations also reduce their economic benefits. In recent years, the bio-upcycling of chemically treated plastic waste has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional plastic recycling. Unlike recycling, bio-upcycling uses relatively mild process conditions to economically transform pretreated plastic waste into value-added products. In this review, we first provide a précis of the general methodology and limits of conventional plastic recycling. Then, we review recent advances in hybrid chemical/biological upcycling methods for different plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. For each kind of plastic, we summarize both the pretreatment methods for making the plastic bio-available and the microbial chassis for degrading or converting the treated plastic waste to value-added products. We also discuss both the limitations of upcycling processes for major plastics and their potential for bio-upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Hu
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yuxin Tian
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Chenghao Zou
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Synthetic Biology Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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2
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Retnadhas S, Ducat DC, Hegg EL. Nature-Inspired Strategies for Sustainable Degradation of Synthetic Plastics. JACS AU 2024; 4:3323-3339. [PMID: 39328769 PMCID: PMC11423324 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic plastics have become integral to our daily lives, yet their escalating production, limited biodegradability, and inadequate waste management contribute to environmental contamination. Biological plastic degradation is one promising strategy to address this pollution. The inherent chemical and physical properties of synthetic plastics, however, pose challenges for microbial enzymes, hindering the effective degradation and the development of a sustainable biological recycling process. This Perspective explores alternative, nature-inspired strategies designed to overcome some key limitations in currently available plastic-degrading enzymes. Nature's refined degradation pathways for natural polymers, such as cellulose, present a compelling framework for the development of efficient technologies for enzymatic plastic degradation. By drawing insights from nature, we propose a general strategy of employing substrate binding domains to improve targeting and multienzyme scaffolds to overcome enzymatic efficiency limitations. As one potential application, we outline a multienzyme pathway to upcycle polyethylene into alkenes. Employing nature-inspired strategies can present a path toward sustainable solution to the environmental impact of synthetic plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeahila Retnadhas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Daniel C Ducat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Eric L Hegg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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3
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Qin L, Li X, Ren G, Yuan R, Wang X, Hu Z, Ye C, Zou Y, Ding P, Zhang H, Cai Q. Closed-Loop Polymer-to-Polymer Upcycling of Waste Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) into Biodegradable and Programmable Materials. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301781. [PMID: 38409634 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), extensively employed in bottles, film, and fiber manufacture, has generated persistent environmental contamination due to its non-degradable nature. The resolution of this issue requires the conversion of waste PET into valuable products, often achieved through depolymerization into monomers. However, the laborious purification procedures involved in the extraction of monomers pose challenges and constraints on the complete utilization of PET. Herein, a strategy is demonstrated for the polymer-to-polymer upcycling of waste PET into high-value biodegradable and programmable materials named PEXT. This process involves reversible transesterifications dependent on ester bonds, wherein commercially available X-monomers from aliphatic diacids and diols are introduced, utilizing existing industrial equipment for complete PET utilization. PEXT features a programmable molecular structure, delivering tailored mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. Notably, PEXT exhibits superior mechanical performance, with a maximal elongation at break of 3419.2 % and a toughness of 270.79 MJ m-3. These characteristics make PEXT suitable for numerous applications, including shape-memory materials, transparent films, and fracture-resistant stretchable components. Significantly, PEXT allows closed-loop recycling within specific biodegradable analogs by reprograming PET or X-monomers. This strategy not only offers cost-effective advantages in large-scale upcycling of waste PET into advanced materials but also demonstrates its enormous prospect in environmental conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Qin
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Geng Ren
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Rongyan Yuan
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Zexu Hu
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Chenwu Ye
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Yangyang Zou
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Peiqing Ding
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Qiuquan Cai
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
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Zandieh M, Griffiths E, Waldie A, Li S, Honek J, Rezanezhad F, Van Cappellen P, Liu J. Catalytic and biocatalytic degradation of microplastics. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20230018. [PMID: 38939860 PMCID: PMC11189586 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230018] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge in annual plastic production, which has contributed to growing environmental challenges, particularly in the form of microplastics. Effective management of plastic and microplastic waste has become a critical concern, necessitating innovative strategies to address its impact on ecosystems and human health. In this context, catalytic degradation of microplastics emerges as a pivotal approach that holds significant promise for mitigating the persistent effects of plastic pollution. In this article, we critically explored the current state of catalytic degradation of microplastics and discussed the definition of degradation, characterization methods for degradation products, and the criteria for standard sample preparation. Moreover, the significance and effectiveness of various catalytic entities, including enzymes, transition metal ions (for the Fenton reaction), nanozymes, and microorganisms are summarized. Finally, a few key issues and future perspectives regarding the catalytic degradation of microplastics are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Zandieh
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Waterloo Institute for NanotechnologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Erin Griffiths
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Ecohydrology Research GroupDepartment of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Alexander Waldie
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Waterloo Institute for NanotechnologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Shuhuan Li
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Ecohydrology Research GroupDepartment of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - John Honek
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Waterloo Institute for NanotechnologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Fereidoun Rezanezhad
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Ecohydrology Research GroupDepartment of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Philippe Van Cappellen
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Ecohydrology Research GroupDepartment of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Juewen Liu
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Waterloo Institute for NanotechnologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Water InstituteUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
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5
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Amalia L, Chang CY, Wang SSS, Yeh YC, Tsai SL. Recent advances in the biological depolymerization and upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103053. [PMID: 38128200 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is favored for its exceptional properties and widespread daily use. This review highlights recent advancements that enable the development of biological tools for PET decomposition, transforming PET into valuable platform chemicals and materials in upcycling processes. Enhancing PET hydrolases' catalytic activity and efficiency through protein engineering strategies is a priority, facilitating more effective PET waste management. Efforts to create novel PET hydrolases for large-scale PET depolymerization continue, but cost-effectiveness remains challenging. Hydrolyzed monomers must add additional value to make PET recycling economically attractive. Valorization of hydrolysis products through the upcycling process is expected to produce new compounds with different values and qualities from the initial polymer, making the decomposed monomers more appealing. Advances in synthetic biology and enzyme engineering hold promise for PET upcycling. While biological depolymerization offers environmental benefits, further research is needed to make PET upcycling sustainable and economically feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lita Amalia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Steven S-S Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Yeh
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Long Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan.
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6
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Han W, Zhang J, Chen Q, Xie Y, Zhang M, Qu J, Tan Y, Diao Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Biodegradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) through PETase surface-display: From function to structure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132632. [PMID: 37804764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132632] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used plastics which has caused some environmental pollution and social problems. Although many newly discovered or modified PET hydrolases have been reported at present, there is still a lack of comparison between their hydrolytic capacities, as well as the need for new biotechnology to apply them for the PET treatment. Here, we systematically studied the surface-display technology for PET hydrolysis using several PET hydrolases. It is found that anchoring protein types had little influence on the surface-display result under T7 promoter, while the PET hydrolase types were more important. By contrast, the newly reported FAST-PETase showed the strongest hydrolysis effect, achieving 71.3% PET hydrolysis in 24 h by pGSA-FAST-PETase. Via model calculation, FAST-PETase indeed exhibited higher temperature tolerance and catalytic capacity. Besides, smaller particle size and lower crystallinity favored the hydrolysis of PET pellets. Through protein structure comparison, we summarized the common characteristics of efficient PET-hydrolyzing enzymes and proposed three main crystal structures of PET enzymes via crystal structural analysis, with ISPETase being the representative and main structure. Surface co-display of FAST-PETase and MHETase can promote the hydrolysis of PET, and the C-terminal of the fusion protein is crucial for PET hydrolysis. The results of our research can be helpful for PET contamination removal as well as other areas involving the application of enzymes. SYNOPSIS: This research can promote the development of better PET hydrolase and its applications in PET pollution treatment via bacteria surface-display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Xie
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Yuanji Tan
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Yiran Diao
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang 150030, PR China.
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7
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Liu P, Zheng Y, Yuan Y, Han Y, Su T, Qi Q. Upcycling of PET oligomers from chemical recycling processes to PHA by microbial co-cultivation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 172:51-59. [PMID: 37714010 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.048] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely consumed polyester plastic and can be recycled by many chemical processes, of which glycolysis is most cost-effective and commercially viable. However, PET glycolysis produces oligomers due to incomplete depolymerization, which are undesirable by-products and require proper disposal. In this study, the PET oligomers from chemical recycling processes were completely bio-depolymerized into monomers and then used for the biosynthesis of biodegradable plastics polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by co-cultivation of two engineered microorganisms Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)-LCCICCG and Pseudomonas putida KT2440-ΔRDt-ΔZP46C-M. E. coli BL21 (DE3)-LCCICCG was used to secrete the PET hydrolase LCCICCG into the medium to directly depolymerize PET oligomers. P. putida KT2440-ΔRDt-ΔZP46C-M that mastered the metabolism of aromatic compounds was engineered to accelerate the hydrolysis of intermediate products mono-2-(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) by expressing IsMHETase, and biosynthesize PHA using ultimate products terephthalate and ethylene glycol depolymerized from the PET oligomers. The population ratios of the two microorganisms during the co-cultivation were characterized by fluorescent reporter system, and revealed the collaboration of the two microorganisms to bio-depolymerize and bioconversion of PET oligomers in a single process. This study provides a biological strategy for the upcycling of PET oligomers and promotes the plastic circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yingbo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yuanfei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tianyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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Nonaka K, Osamura T, Takahashi F. A 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylase mutant enables 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid production from glucose in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:168. [PMID: 37644492 PMCID: PMC10466732 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02179-y] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial production of aromatic chemicals is an attractive method for obtaining high-performance materials from biomass resources. A non-proteinogenic amino acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid (4,3-AHBA), is expected to be a precursor of highly functional polybenzoxazole polymers; however, methods for its microbial production have not been reported. In this study, we attempted to produce 4,3-AHBA from glucose by introducing 3-hydroxylation of 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) into the metabolic pathway of an industrially relevant bacterium, Corynebacterium glutamicum. RESULTS Six different 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylases (PHBHs) were heterologously expressed in C. glutamicum strains, which were then screened for the production of 4,3-AHBA by culturing with glucose as a carbon source. The highest concentration of 4,3-AHBA was detected in the strain expressing PHBH from Caulobacter vibrioides (CvPHBH). A combination of site-directed mutagenesis in the active site and random mutagenesis via laccase-mediated colorimetric assay allowed us to obtain CvPHBH mutants that enhanced 4,3-AHBA productivity under deep-well plate culture conditions. The recombinant C. glutamicum strain expressing CvPHBHM106A/T294S and having an enhanced 4-ABA biosynthetic pathway produced 13.5 g/L (88 mM) 4,3-AHBA and 0.059 g/L (0.43 mM) precursor 4-ABA in fed-batch culture using a nutrient-rich medium. The culture of this strain in the chemically defined CGXII medium yielded 9.8 C-mol% of 4,3-AHBA from glucose, corresponding to 12.8% of the theoretical maximum yield (76.8 C-mol%) calculated using a genome-scale metabolic model of C. glutamicum. CONCLUSIONS Identification of PHBH mutants that could efficiently catalyze the 3-hydroxylation of 4-ABA in C. glutamicum allowed us to construct an artificial biosynthetic pathway capable of producing 4,3-AHBA on a gram-scale using glucose as the carbon source. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of enzyme-catalyzed regioselective hydroxylation of aromatic chemicals and to the diversification of biomass-derived precursors for high-performance materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoshiro Nonaka
- Biological Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Osamura
- Biological Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Takahashi
- Biological Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan
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9
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You SM, Lee SS, Ryu MH, Song HM, Kang MS, Jung YJ, Song EC, Sung BH, Park SJ, Joo JC, Kim HT, Cha HG. β-Ketoadipic acid production from poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste via chemobiological upcycling. RSC Adv 2023; 13:14102-14109. [PMID: 37180017 PMCID: PMC10168023 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02072j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste can simultaneously produce value-added chemicals and reduce the growing environmental impact of plastic waste. In this study, we designed a chemobiological system to convert terephthalic acid (TPA), an aromatic monomer of PET, to β-ketoadipic acid (βKA), a C6 keto-diacid that functions as a building block for nylon-6,6 analogs. Using microwave-assisted hydrolysis in a neutral aqueous system, PET was converted to TPA with Amberlyst-15, a conventional catalyst with high conversion efficiency and reusability. The bioconversion process of TPA into βKA used a recombinant Escherichia coli βKA expressing two conversion modules for TPA degradation (tphAabc and tphB) and βKA synthesis (aroY, catABC, and pcaD). To improve bioconversion, the formation of acetic acid, a deleterious factor for TPA conversion in flask cultivation, was efficiently regulated by deleting the poxB gene along with operating the bioreactor to supply oxygen. By applying two-stage fermentation consisting of the growth phase in pH 7 followed by the production phase in pH 5.5, a total of 13.61 mM βKA was successfully produced with 96% conversion efficiency. This efficient chemobiological PET upcycling system provides a promising approach for the circular economy to acquire various chemicals from PET waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Mook You
- Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Ulsan 44429 Republic of Korea
| | - Si Seon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea Bucheon-si Gyeonggi-do 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hee Ryu
- Green Carbon Research Center Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Daejeon 34114 Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Min Song
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science & Engineering, Ewha Woman's University Seoul 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Min Soo Kang
- Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Ulsan 44429 Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Jean Jung
- Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Ulsan 44429 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chae Song
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University Daejeon 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Hyun Sung
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Si Jae Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science & Engineering, Ewha Woman's University Seoul 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Chan Joo
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea Bucheon-si Gyeonggi-do 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Taek Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University Daejeon 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Gil Cha
- Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Ulsan 44429 Republic of Korea
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10
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Kolitha BS, Jayasekara SK, Tannenbaum R, Jasiuk IM, Jayakody LN. Repurposing of waste PET by microbial biotransformation to functionalized materials for additive manufacturing. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad010. [PMID: 37248049 PMCID: PMC10549213 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad010] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is an outstanding environmental thread. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundantly produced single-use plastics worldwide, but its recycling rates are low. In parallel, additive manufacturing is a rapidly evolving technology with wide-ranging applications. Thus, there is a need for a broad spectrum of polymers to meet the demands of this growing industry and address post-use waste materials. This perspective article highlights the potential of designing microbial cell factories to upcycle PET into functionalized chemical building blocks for additive manufacturing. We present the leveraging of PET hydrolyzing enzymes and rewiring the bacterial C2 and aromatic catabolic pathways to obtain high-value chemicals and polymers. Since PET mechanical recycling back to original materials is cost-prohibitive, the biochemical technology is a viable alternative to upcycle PET into novel 3D printing materials, such as replacements for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The presented hybrid chemo-bio approaches potentially enable the manufacturing of environmentally friendly degradable or higher-value high-performance polymers and composites and their reuse for a circular economy. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY Biotransformation of waste PET to high-value platform chemicals for additive manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagya S Kolitha
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Sandhya K Jayasekara
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Rina Tannenbaum
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, the Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Iwona M Jasiuk
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lahiru N Jayakody
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- Fermentation Science Institute, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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