Enzymatic and biological recycling of (bio)plastics

The enzymatic and biological recycling of plastics and bioplastics is considered a key strategy for the circular economy, allowing a more sustainable management at their end of life (EoL). By using enzymes and specialized microorganisms for the efficient conversion of polymers to their constituent monomers, this technology enables not only material recycling, but also opens the door to their conversion into value-added products (upcycling), thus contributing to reduce their environmental impact and to the optimal use of resources for the production of new materials.

In the POLYBIO group, we develop enzymatic and whole-cell biocatalysts designed to selectively and efficiently degrade conventional plastics and bioplastics. We study different enzymes capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of polymers such as PET, PLA, and PHA, facilitating their conversion into simpler molecules for their subsequent reutilization. Additionally, using protein engineering tools, we optimize these biocatalysts to improve their activity, stability, and efficiency, adapting them towards different degradation conditions and tailoring them for their application in industrial settings.

In parallel, the development of whole-cell biocatalysts via synthetic and systems biology enables the engineering of microbes designed to efficiently degrade different polymers and convert the hydrolysis products into interesting compounds. This strategy allows to sustainably reduce plastic waste and promotes their valorization, integrating these processes within a more efficient production model aligned with the principles of the circular bioeconomy. At present, we also investigate the upscaling of these processes to improve their economic viability and their application in key sectors such as packaging, biomedical, and textile industries.

Relevant publications

Jiménez, J. D., Godoy, M. S., Del Cerro, C., Prieto, M. A. (2024) Hints from nature for a PHA circular economy: Carbon synthesis and sharing by Pseudomonas solani GK13. N Biotechnol. 25;84:9-23.

Serrano-Aguirre, L., Prieto, M. A. (2024) Can bioplastics always offer a truly sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics? Microb Biotechnol. 2024 Apr;17(4):e14458. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.14458.

Pereyra‐Camacho, M. A., Pardo, I. (2024). Plastics and the Sustainable Development Goals: From waste to wealth with microbial recycling and upcycling. Microbial Biotechnology, 17(4), e14459