PETase is an enzyme that is capable of degrading polyethylene terephthalate, the plastic commonly found in plastic water bottles. We have developed assays to measure rates of plastic degradation by this enzyme, and have cloned the PETase enzyme into an expression plasmid under an inducible promoter for use in E. coli bacteria. We have expressed the enzyme and can detect activity via a colorimetric assay using p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA), a small molecule substrate analog. This assay is straightforward and useful. We have additionally investigated the growth of Ideonella sakaiensis, the bacterium from which PETase was cloned, on different sources of PET. Further, we have developed an assay in which plastic degradation can be monitored spectroscopically, opening the possibility of selecting for improved mutants of the parent organism. Finally, we have determined that Ideonella likely forms a biofilm on the PET plastic in order to begin its degradation process.

Investigations of PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis, a plastic-degrading bacterium

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.