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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...
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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
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In the region where two bulk phases meet, an intricate electric charge distribution arises due to charge transfer, ion adsorption, molecular orientation, and charge distortion. This complex distribution is commonly referred to as the electrical double layer.When a solid electrode interfaces with ions in an electrolyte solution, the speed of electron transfer dictates the rates of oxidation and reduction. The electrode acquires a charge through the escape of atoms into the solution as cations or...
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Processes at Electrodes01:30

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The electrode interacts with ions in the electrolyte solution at its interface. The rate of oxidation and reduction depends on the speed at which electrons can transfer through this interface. As ions attach to or leave the electrode surface, the electrode acquires a charge, and an electrical potential forms across the interface, making the process more difficult to reach equilibrium. The charge on the electrode affects the local ion concentrations in the solution, though thermal motion...
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Potential Due to a Polarized Object01:29

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A neutral atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by a negatively charged electron cloud. When placed in an external electric field, the external electric force pulls the electrons and nucleus apart, opposite to the intrinsic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons. The opposing forces balance each other with a slight shift between the center of masses of the nucleus and the electron cloud, resulting in a polarized atom. On the other hand, a few molecules, like water,...
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Reductive Electropolymerization of a Vinyl-containing Poly-pyridyl Complex on Glassy Carbon and Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide Electrodes
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Effect of surface electrostatic potential on pH-activity profile in PET depolymerases.

Hogyun Seo1, Hyeonwoo Hwang2, Jiyoung Park1

  • 1School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Zyen Co, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 25, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Newly discovered PET hydrolases function optimally in near-neutral conditions, unlike most enzymes. This breakthrough in enzymatic recycling offers new possibilities for breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics efficiently.

Keywords:
AccessibilityAcidophilic depolymerasePET depolymerasePH dependency

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Measuring In Vitro ATPase Activity for Enzymatic Characterization
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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Polymer Science
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Enzymatic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is crucial for sustainable recycling.
  • Current PET hydrolases often require alkaline conditions, limiting their application range.
  • There is a need for enzymes active under neutral or acidic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel PET hydrolases with optimal activity in near-neutral pH environments.
  • To elucidate the mechanistic basis for the pH-dependent activity of these enzymes.
  • To inform the engineering of improved enzymes for PET recycling.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of polyesterase-lipase-cutinase family cluster 3 for PET hydrolase activity.
  • Enzyme kinetics studies across a range of pH values.
  • Site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of specific residues (e.g., E121) and surface electrostatics.
  • Comparison of pH profiles using PET and a model substrate (p-nitrophenyl butyrate).

Main Results:

  • A specific lineage, N1484 from cluster 3, shows maximal activity at pH 5-6.
  • Residue modifications near the catalytic triad did not affect pH profiles.
  • Alterations in the substrate access region, especially E121, modulated pH profiles and activity.
  • Surface electrostatics were identified as a key factor governing the optimal pH of PET hydrolases.

Conclusions:

  • Cluster 3 enzymes, particularly N1484, offer a promising alternative for PET depolymerization under near-neutral conditions.
  • Enzyme-substrate accessibility, influenced by surface electrostatics, is critical for pH-dependent activity.
  • These findings provide valuable insights for designing next-generation PET hydrolases for enhanced plastic recycling.