Concentration‐Dependent Inhibition of Mesophilic PETases on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Can Be Eliminated by Enzyme Engineering. Issue 8 (23rd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Avilan, Luisana; Lichtenstein, Bruce R.; König, Gerhard; Zahn, Michael; Allen, Mark D.; Oliveira, Liliana; Clark, Matilda; Bemmer, Victoria; Graham, Rosie; Austin, Harry P.; Dominick, Graham; Johnson, Christopher W.; Beckham, Gregg T.; McGeehan, John E.; Pickford, Andrew R.
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 16:Issue 8(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23
• Subjects: biocatalysis -- hydrolases -- mesophilic enzymes -- PETase -- plastics; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: Enzyme‐based depolymerization is a viable approach for recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis ( Is PETase) is capable of PET hydrolysis under mild conditions but suffers from concentration‐dependent inhibition. In this study, this inhibition is found to be dependent on incubation time, the solution conditions, and PET surface area. Furthermore, this inhibition is evident in other mesophilic PET‐degrading enzymes to varying degrees, independent of the level of PET depolymerization activity. The inhibition has no clear structural basis, but moderately thermostable Is PETase variants exhibit reduced inhibition, and the property is completely absent in the highly thermostable HotPETase, previously engineered by directed evolution, which simulations suggest results from reduced flexibility around the active site. This work highlights a limitation in applying natural mesophilic hydrolases for PET hydrolysis and reveals an unexpected positive outcome of engineering these enzymes for enhanced thermostability. Abstract : Enzyme social distancing . Is PETase, an enzyme that degrades poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and its mesophilic homologues suffers from concentration‐dependent inhibition, the loss of activity at high enzyme concentration on the polymer surface. This can be alleviated by adding DMSO, increasing the polymer surface area, or by protein engineering to enhance thermostability.