AI-Designed Enzymes Break Down Plastic in Hours

earth.org

3 pointskarlperera3 comments

Researchers at MIT have used AI to design enzymes from scratch that can break down common plastics like PET in just hours at room temperature. This could revolutionize recycling and reduce plastic pollution dramatically.

What challenges remain for scaling this technology?

Breaks down plastics into what? And what are the by products?

Into its component molecules.

For example, PET plastic (used in bottles) is made of many units of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The enzyme breaks the bonds linking these units, releasing the original molecules.

Why is this a good idea?

Recycling

Reduced Waste and Pollution

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production.

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