Open AccessFunctional enzyme–polymer complexes
Author(s) -
Curt Waltmann,
Carolyn E. Mills,
Jeremy Wang,
Botao Qiao,
John M. Torkelson,
Danielle TullmanErcek,
Mónica Olvera de la Cruz
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2119509119
Subject(s) - enzyme , polymer , polyethylene terephthalate , polyethylene , copolymer , chemistry , catalysis , combinatorial chemistry , materials science , chemical engineering , biophysics , organic chemistry , biology , engineering , composite material
Significance The use of biological enzyme catalysts could have huge ramifications for chemical industries. However, these enzymes are often inactive in nonbiological conditions, such as high temperatures, present in industrial settings. Here, we show that the enzyme PETase (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]), with potential application in plastic recycling, is stabilized at elevated temperature through complexation with random copolymers. We demonstrate this through simulations and experiments on different types of substrates. Our simulations also provide strategies for designing more enzymatically active complexes by altering polymer composition and enzyme charge distribution.