Method Development for Purification and Analysis of the PETase Enzyme
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most common form of plastic used in the world today, but only accounts for 29% of plastics recycled. It can be used to make many different products, including soda bottles and polyester fabrics. In 2020 a research team based in Japan analyzed a bacteria known as Ideonella sakaiensis which was found to secrete the enzyme PETase. The PETase enzyme reaction converts PET grade plastic polymers to products that could then be degraded back to the plastic's structural monomers. This degradation pathway may lead to a functional solution to the massive amount of plastic waste built up around the world.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Chemistry
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Emily Ruff
Start Date
4-19-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
4-19-2023 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
6
Method Development for Purification and Analysis of the PETase Enzyme
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most common form of plastic used in the world today, but only accounts for 29% of plastics recycled. It can be used to make many different products, including soda bottles and polyester fabrics. In 2020 a research team based in Japan analyzed a bacteria known as Ideonella sakaiensis which was found to secrete the enzyme PETase. The PETase enzyme reaction converts PET grade plastic polymers to products that could then be degraded back to the plastic's structural monomers. This degradation pathway may lead to a functional solution to the massive amount of plastic waste built up around the world.
