Naslov
Discovery of Plastic Degradation Enzymes

Autori
Çakar, Mehmet Mervan ; Vuković Domanovac, Marija ; Findrik Blažević, Zvjezdana

Vrsta, podvrsta
Radovi u časopisima, pregledni

Izvornik
Kemija u industriji : časopis kemičara i tehnologa Hrvatske (2023)

Status rada
Prihvaćen

Ključne riječi
enzymatic degradation of plastics, enzymatic depolymerization, circular bioeconomy, green bioprocesses, polymer biorecycling

Sažetak
Plastics are highly advanced materials that have a vast array of applications and are produced globally in an approximate amount of 350 to 400 million tons every year. Nevertheless, there are serious worries about plastic waste and pollution as a result of the misuse and lack of control of their use in industries including packaging, transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture. Approximately 1000 years are required for plastic bags to decompose efficiently. Additionally, CO2 and dioxins are released into the atmosphere by burning plastics and they contribute to the global warming. The Earth's environment is overwhelmed with waste, mostly from poor recycling practices and low circular usage, resulting in millions of tons of waste generated annually. To combat this, new technologies for recycling post-consumer plastics are desperately needed to decrease plastic waste and improve the environment, while also finding ways to utilize these materials. Due to the inadequate disposal methods currently available for plastic waste, there has been an increase in concern about the use of microorganisms and enzymes designed for the biodegradation of non-degradable synthetic polymers via biocatalytic depolymerization indicating that plastic treatment and recycling can be more efficient and sustainable.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemijsko inženjerstvo, Biotehnologija

POVEZANOST RADA