Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research

Abstract Enzymatic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) towards monomer recycling offers a green route to a circular plastic economy, with scale-up currently underway. Yet, inconsistent assessment methods hinder clear comparisons between various PET hydrolases. This Perspective aims...

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Main Authors: Ren Wei, Peter Westh, Gert Weber, Lars M. Blank, Uwe T. Bornscheuer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60016-9
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author Ren Wei
Peter Westh
Gert Weber
Lars M. Blank
Uwe T. Bornscheuer
author_facet Ren Wei
Peter Westh
Gert Weber
Lars M. Blank
Uwe T. Bornscheuer
author_sort Ren Wei
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Enzymatic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) towards monomer recycling offers a green route to a circular plastic economy, with scale-up currently underway. Yet, inconsistent assessment methods hinder clear comparisons between various PET hydrolases. This Perspective aims to identify critical gaps in this dynamic research field and outline key principles for selecting and tailoring novel enzymes, such as using uniform PET samples and standardizing reaction settings that mimic industrial conditions. Applying these guidelines will improve enzyme screening efficiency, increase data reproducibility, deepen the understanding of interfacial biocatalysis, and ultimately accelerate the development of more robust and cost-effective bio-based PET recycling methods.
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publisher Nature Portfolio
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spelling doaj-art-10cf7702fc264bb4a99ec7c51279552d2025-08-20T01:53:23ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-05-0116111310.1038/s41467-025-60016-9Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase researchRen Wei0Peter Westh1Gert Weber2Lars M. Blank3Uwe T. Bornscheuer4Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University of GreifswaldDepartment of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of DenmarkMacromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und EnergieiAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology. ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, BioSC, RWTH Aachen UniversityDepartment of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University of GreifswaldAbstract Enzymatic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) towards monomer recycling offers a green route to a circular plastic economy, with scale-up currently underway. Yet, inconsistent assessment methods hinder clear comparisons between various PET hydrolases. This Perspective aims to identify critical gaps in this dynamic research field and outline key principles for selecting and tailoring novel enzymes, such as using uniform PET samples and standardizing reaction settings that mimic industrial conditions. Applying these guidelines will improve enzyme screening efficiency, increase data reproducibility, deepen the understanding of interfacial biocatalysis, and ultimately accelerate the development of more robust and cost-effective bio-based PET recycling methods.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60016-9
spellingShingle Ren Wei
Peter Westh
Gert Weber
Lars M. Blank
Uwe T. Bornscheuer
Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
Nature Communications
title Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
title_full Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
title_fullStr Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
title_full_unstemmed Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
title_short Standardization guidelines and future trends for PET hydrolase research
title_sort standardization guidelines and future trends for pet hydrolase research
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60016-9
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AT larsmblank standardizationguidelinesandfuturetrendsforpethydrolaseresearch
AT uwetbornscheuer standardizationguidelinesandfuturetrendsforpethydrolaseresearch