Description

Worldwide, poly(ethylene terephthalate, or PET), is widely used in plastic products, and its buildup in the environment has raised concerns for people all over the world. Biodegradation is not yet a practical remediation or recycling strategy because it has been believed that only a few fungal species have the ability to enzymatically degrade PET. A group of specialists from Japan's Keio University has discovered discovered the novel bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 by screening natural microbial communities exposed to PET in the environment. This bacterium can use PET as its primary energy and carbon source. This strain can hydrolyze PET and the intermediate of the reaction, mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid, when grown on PET. PET must be effectively converted enzymatically into the two environmentally safe monomers terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol using both enzymes (Shosuke Yoshida, Kazumi Hiraga, Toshihiko Takena, 2016).

In the preceding year, our research efforts were constricted by resource and temporal constraints, thereby permitting only rudimentary explorations, primarily concentrated on initial transformations. In the current year, we have transitioned into a collaborative framework with partnering academic institutions, diversifying our intellectual arsenal. This transformation has also facilitated invaluable guidance and insights from laboratory instructors and erudite professors. Notably, we have been privileged to count among our mentors Dr. Bisenbaev Amangeldy Kuanbaevich, a distinguished luminary in the realm of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, who currently serves as the Director of the Institute of Biology and Biotechnology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. His eminence in fields encompassing Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biotechnology has profoundly influenced our research trajectory. Our endeavors in the current year have included the mastery of dry lab techniques and the proficient crafting of plasmids. With an extended laboratory tenure spanning 1.5 months, we have conducted intricate experiments probing the intricate interplay of a singular protein. Each facet of our research advances us closer to realizing 'Plastikaiensis,' a transformative solution driven by Ideonella sakaiensis' PET hydrolase and MHET hydrolase enzymes, aimed at orchestrating an organized plastic decomposition process. The tribulations of the past year have fueled our unwavering commitment and determination, galvanizing our pursuit to substantiate our innovative concepts and inscribe our contributions into the annals of scientific achievement.