Developing a coupled enzyme cascade assay to screen PETase activity

This project aims at developing a coupled enzyme assay strategy that will allow us to engineer and screen engineered PETase enzymes that are useful in degrading otherwise non-biodegradable plastics. The proposed method will be faster and robust compared to existing assay methods. PolyTide Inc. aims to apply this technique towards engineering PETase enzymes it is developing for commercial purposes. This work will provide valuable tools to improve biocatalysts that will enable clean and environmentally friendly recycling of plastics that are otherwise persistent in the environment, improving the sustainability of these plastic products that are in wide use around the world.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Kwan

Student:

Partner:

Polytide Technology Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Clean Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Concordia University

Program: