Grantee Research Project Results
Harnessing Nature: Enzyme Engineering for Polymer Synthesis and Degradation
EPA Grant Number: R841119Title: Harnessing Nature: Enzyme Engineering for Polymer Synthesis and Degradation
Investigators: Montclare, Jin Kim , Renfrew, Douglas
Institution: New York University
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Project Period: March 1, 2025 through February 29, 2028
Project Amount: $1,500,000
RFA: Advancing Sustainable Chemistry (2024) RFA Text
Research Category: Green Chemistry , Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Objective:
Objective 1: Engineer leaf-branch compost cutinase (LCC) to improve its stability and ability to degrade polyesters to combat plastic pollution. Hypothesis: Modified variants of LCC can be engineered to exhibit enhanced thermostability and higher efficiency in degrading PET and other polyesters.
Objective 2: Engineer the activity of LCC for sustainable synthesis of aromatic polyesters from renewable raw materials. Hypothesis: LCC can be engineered to facilitate the polymerization of renewable raw materials, specifically furan-based monomers, into aromatic polyesters.
Objective 3: Develop and contribute to a database of enzymes for polymer synthesis and degradation. Hypothesis: A comprehensive and standardized database of enzymes involved in polymer synthesis and degradation will streamline future research and development in this field by providing essential metrics and performance data.
Approach:
For Objective 1, protein engineering will leverage computational modeling tools like Rosetta and machine learning to design LCC variants with enhanced thermostability and catalytic efficiency for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Finally, the engineered LCC variants will be screened and tested in controlled laboratory settings to assess their performance in degrading PET and other polyesters. For Objective 2, reaction engineering will optimize conditions for polymer synthesis, focusing on solvent environments and temperature ranges to enable LCC to catalyze the polymerization offuran-based monomers. Computational design will use protein-modeling tools to create LCC variants with improved reactivity towards hydrophobic and bulky aromatic substrates. Experimental validation will involve testing the modified LCC variants in synthesizing aromatic polyesters and evaluating the properties of the resulting polymers. For Objective 3, a comprehensive database of enzymes where the enzymes used for polymer synthesis and degradation will be compiled, including their sources, properties, and performance metrics.
Expected Results:
Develop LCC variants with improved stability and degradation efficiency to operate at higher temperatures, efficiently degrading PET and other polyesters, thereby reducing plastic pollution and enhancing waste management. Produce sustainable, high-performance aromatic polyesters from renewable raw materials using engineered LCC and establish a comprehensive enzyme database to support and accelerate future research in polymer synthesis and degradation. By enhancing plastic waste degradation and using renewable raw materials for polymer synthesis, the project will reduce environmental pollution and dependency on fossil fuels. Improved enzyme-based recycling and sustainable polymer production will offer cost- effective alternatives, while the enzyme database will accelerate research advancements, supporting innovative solutions for plastic waste and sustainable materials.
Supplemental Keywords:
cutinase, plastic pollution, polymer synthesis and degradationThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.