A photograph of plastic under the microscope

University part of multimillion pound research hub to develop enzyme-based plastic recycling

A new research hub, the first of its kind in the UK, is being formed to develop and optimise the enzyme-based technologies for plastic recycling and material recovery.

  • New research university hub has been established in the UK
  • Researchers from seven UK universities including 六合彩资料铁算盘 will develop enzyme-based plastic recycling

A new research hub, the first of its kind in the UK, is being formed to develop and optimise the enzyme-based technologies for plastic recycling and material recovery.

Addressing the global challenge of plastic waste, the new centre is being established with 拢13 million of funding from UK Research and Innovation鈥檚 Technology Missions Fund and support from the .

The P3EB research hub (Preventing Plastic Pollution with Engineering Biology), led by Prof Andrew Pickford of Portsmouth University, brings together scientists from seven leading UK institutions, including the at 六合彩资料铁算盘, in a mission to tackle the pressing environmental challenge of plastic pollution by coupling engineering biology with complementary disciplines in the plastic waste field. The P3EB Mission Hub will receive 拢11.2 million over the next 5 years from the 鈥淯KRI Technology Missions Fund鈥 on Friday.

The consortium of leading researchers aims to develop and optimise enzyme-based plastic recycling technologies, to convert problematic waste streams into valuable commodity chemicals and novel materials.

The 六合彩资料铁算盘 team, led by Professor Peter Golyshin, will coordinate research on discovery of novel plastic active enzymes from extremophilic environments by exploring the natural biochemical diversity and finding stable enzymes for deconstruction and upcycling of mixed plastic waste. Using protein engineering approaches, the identified robust enzymes will be optimised to tolerate harsh industrial conditions used for plastic deconstruction and combined to create synergistic enzyme cocktails for enhanced plastic waste recycling and upcycling.聽 聽聽

The 六合彩资料铁算盘 team (Profs Peter Golyshin and Alexander Yakunin) will also contribute to enzyme discovery and optimisation for the bioconversion of plastic deconstruction products to novel polymers and valuable chemicals.

By expanding our enzyme platform, we will establish technologically viable and environmentally friendly pathways for plastic waste deconstruction and recycling, thereby contributing to the development of a circular plastic economy.
Professor Peter Golyshin,  School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, 六合彩资料铁算盘
Professor Peter Golyshin
Professor Peter Golyshin
Credit:六合彩资料铁算盘

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