Computational redesign of a hydrolase for nearly complete PET depolymerization at industrially relevant high-solids loading

Yinglu Cui (), Yanchun Chen, Jinyuan Sun, Tong Zhu, Hua Pang, Chunli Li, Wen-Chao Geng and Bian Wu ()
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Yinglu Cui: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yanchun Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jinyuan Sun: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tong Zhu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hua Pang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chunli Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Wen-Chao Geng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bian Wu: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Biotechnological plastic recycling has emerged as a suitable option for addressing the pollution crisis. A major breakthrough in the biodegradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is achieved by using a LCC variant, which permits 90% conversion at an industrial level. Despite the achievements, its applications have been hampered by the remaining 10% of nonbiodegradable PET. Herein, we address current challenges by employing a computational strategy to engineer a hydrolase from the bacterium HR29. The redesigned variant, TurboPETase, outperforms other well-known PET hydrolases. Nearly complete depolymerization is accomplished in 8 h at a solids loading of 200 g kg−1. Kinetic and structural analysis suggest that the improved performance may be attributed to a more flexible PET-binding groove that facilitates the targeting of more specific attack sites. Collectively, our results constitute a significant advance in understanding and engineering of industrially applicable polyester hydrolases, and provide guidance for further efforts on other polymer types.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45662-9

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