Current knowledge on enzymatic PET degradation and its possible application to waste stream management and other fields

Enzymatic hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been the subject of extensive previous research that can be grouped into two categories, viz. enzymatic surface modification of polyester fibers and management of PET waste by enzymatic hydrolysis. Different enzymes with rather specific properties are required for these two processes. Enzymatic surface modification is possible with several hydrolases, such as lipases, carboxylesterases, cutinases, and proteases. These enzymes should be designated as PET surface-modifying enzymes and should not degrade the building blocks of PET but should hydrolyze the surface polymer chain so that the intensity of PET is not weakened. Conversely, management of PET…