Abstract
The widespread global acceptance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in our daily lives can be attributed primarily to its remarkable strength, high recyclability potential, and established compatibility with human foods, medicines, and other consumer products. As with other conventional plastics, the accumulation of PET polymer wastes puts immense pressure on the already fragile planet due to their recalcitrant nature. To this end, substantial effort has been made to promote PET biodegradation by various microbes and their enzymes. This chapter reviews recent research and advancements in enhancing PET biodegradation and improving its functionalities to suit current environmental realities. In this regard, the roles of actinomycetes, algae, bacteria, and fungi in PET degradation are elucidated with a special focus on Ideonella sakaiensis, the model PET biodegrader. Also accentuated is the central function of various PET-hydrolyzing enzymes (the carboxylic ester hydrolases) in degradation. In addition, the significance of PET biodegradation in the circular bioeconomy and some specific progress made in PET research are also discussed.
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