Expansive search of biodegradability of circular polymer architectures via a novel plastizyme library based on a multi-omic statistical learning approach

Project Description

Single use plastics and their residues (including microplastics) are found everywhere from remote rural regions to the furthest isolated regions of our planet. The resulting waste footprint of these materials impacts the environment and public health. Current biobased efforts towards mitigating this issue focus on two paradigms: the discovery of biocatalysts capable of degrading plastic with or without converting them to useful bioproducts, and creation of robust, tunable biodegradable plastics. This project aims to utilize statistical learning to expand on these efforts using a high-throughput screening of novel enzyme-plastic combinations. We will combine structure-based learning, multi-omics, and rational polymer design to evaluate untested enzymes on both commonly used plastics and new bioplastic formulations. This work will be powered in part by utilization of the high throughput synthesis and automated biochemistry platforms in the BioPACIFIC MIP.

Instruments