Current advances in the structural biology and molecular engineering of PETase

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a highly useful synthetic polyester plastic that widely used in daily life. However, the increase postconsumer PET as waste recalcitrant to biodegradation landfills and natural environment has raised worldwide concern. Currently, traditional recycling processes with thermomechanical or chemical methods also result deterioration of mechanical properties PET. Therefore, it urgent develop more efficient green strategies address this problem. Recently, novel mesophilic PET-degrading enzyme ( Is PETase) from Ideonella sakaiensis was found streamline at 30°C, albeit lower activity than chitinase chitinase-like enzymes. Consequently, molecular engineering PETases still required for further industrial applications. This review details current knowledge on PETase, MHETase, PETase-like hydrolases, including structures, ligand‒protein interactions, rational protein improved performance. In particular, applications engineered catalysts are highlighted, metabolic cell factories, immobilization surface display. The information expected provide insights complex polymers.