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Bottlenecks in biobased approaches to plastic degradation

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  • Amelia R. Bergeson

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Ashli J. Silvera

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Hal S. Alper

    (The University of Texas at Austin
    The University of Texas at Austin)

Abstract

Plastic waste is an environmental challenge, but also presents a biotechnological opportunity as a unique carbon substrate. With modern biotechnological tools, it is possible to enable both recycling and upcycling. To realize a plastics bioeconomy, significant intrinsic barriers must be overcome using a combination of enzyme, strain, and process engineering. This article highlights advances, challenges, and opportunities for a variety of common plastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Amelia R. Bergeson & Ashli J. Silvera & Hal S. Alper, 2024. "Bottlenecks in biobased approaches to plastic degradation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49146-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49146-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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