While corrosion resistance, durability and low cost make plastic a very efficient resource, one of its major drawbacks is the harm it poses to the environment. According to a report from Greenpeace USA, 51 million tons of plastic waste were generated by households in the United States in 2021, with only 2.4 million tons recycled, making it a pressing concern to the well-being of the planet.
To curb this issue, researchers are seeking ways to develop engineered enzymes capable of breaking down plastic–similar to the way the body breaks down food during digestion. Continue Reading