Since the discovery of PETase in 2016 — an enzyme capable of degrading PET plastic — researchers have realized that this was only the beginning. It revealed the broader potential of biological catalysis to break down diverse synthetic polymers, inspiring the search for new enzymes beyond PET.
Until now: 0 Papers about PETase have been published. In 2025, we have: 0.
A large number of synthetic biologists are focused on engineering plastic hydrolases via methods like protein engineering, while concurrently, many researchers are trying to uncover novel degradation enzymes for various polymer types from natural environments.
The increasing depth of related research offers promising prospects for a more sustainable resolution to the plastic pollution crisis. Nevertheless, numerous studies are frequently constrained by the inherent limitations of conventional bench-scale (or "wet lab") experimentation, particularly concerning cost, time commitment, and throughput efficiency.
Laboratory equipment, reagents, and personnel expenses limit research scale
Lengthy experimental cycles slow down discovery and optimization processes
Limited parallel testing capabilities restrict comprehensive screening
Starting with the exploration of how AI can understand and predict enzyme function, the project aims to transition from mere "prediction" to genuine "understanding".
By harnessing the analytical power of AI, we aim to determine if it can effectively capture the key biological principle of how enzyme sequence and structure collaboratively define its catalytic activity.
The long-term goal is to elevate AI from "assisting research" to "empowering science", allowing it to serve as a bridge connecting data and biological comprehension.
The SDGs are not just an additional label, but a practical guide that runs through every aspect of the project. Through concrete actions, research is combined with social needs, and education, industry, responsible consumption, and cooperation form a closed loop to achieve sustainable development. Welcome to explore in our wiki!
