Lu and colleagues used machine learning to engineer FAST-PETase, which depolymerizes PET waste at moderate temperatures.
Built / tested: FAST-PETase
As reported in: Lu, Diaz, Czarnecki et al. (2022). Machine learning-aided engineering of hydrolases for PET depolymerization. Nature. doi:10.1038/s41586-022-04599-z
Abstract only
A review of valorising keratin waste biomass and its potential applications.
As reported in: Chaitanya Reddy, Khilji, Gupta et al. (2021). Valorization of keratin waste biomass and its potential applications. Journal of Water Process Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.jwpe.2020.101707
Abstract only
A review of waste eggshell and seashell calcium carbonate as fillers in polymer composites.
As reported in: Owuamanam, Cree (2020). Progress of Bio-Calcium Carbonate Waste Eggshell and Seashell Fillers in Polymer Composites: A Review. Journal of Composites Science. doi:10.3390/jcs4020070
Tournier and colleagues engineered a cutinase enzyme that breaks down 90% of PET bottles in about 10 hours for recycling.
Built / tested: enzymatic PET recycling
As reported in: Tournier, Topham, Gilles et al. (2020). An engineered PET depolymerase to break down and recycle plastic bottles. Nature. doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2149-4
Abstract only
Austin and colleagues solved the PETase structure and engineered a variant with improved activity.
Built / tested: engineered PETase
As reported in: Austin, Allen, Donohoe et al. (2018). Characterization and engineering of a plastic-degrading aromatic polyesterase. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.1718804115
Yoshida and colleagues discovered Ideonella sakaiensis, which degrades and lives on PET using the enzymes PETase and MHETase.
As reported in: Yoshida, Hiraga, Takehana et al. (2016). A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate). Science. doi:10.1126/science.aad6359
Abstract only
Obtained biological hydroxyapatite from fish bones.
Built / tested: hydroxyapatite powder
As reported in: Boutinguiza, Pou, Comesaña et al. (2012). Biological hydroxyapatite obtained from fish bones. Materials Science and Engineering: C. doi:10.1016/j.msec.2011.11.021
Abstract only
Russell and colleagues found endophytic fungi, including Pestalotiopsis microspora, that degrade polyester polyurethane, even without oxygen.
As reported in: Russell, Huang, Anand et al. (2011). Biodegradation of Polyester Polyurethane by Endophytic Fungi. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. doi:10.1128/AEM.00521-11
Rice husk ash as an alternative source for producing active silica.
Built / tested: silica powder
As reported in: Della, Kühn, Hotza (2002). Rice husk ash as an alternate source for active silica production. Materials Letters. doi:10.1016/s0167-577x(02)00879-0
Abstract only
Synthesised hydroxyapatite from eggshells.
Built / tested: hydroxyapatite powder
As reported in: Rivera, Araiza, Brostow et al. (1999). Synthesis of hydroxyapatite from eggshells. Materials Letters. doi:10.1016/s0167-577x(99)00118-4
Abstract only