Next-Generation PET Bioconversion: Leveraging Synthetic Biology and Computational Enzyme Engineering

The field of plastic bioconversion is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by advances in synthetic biology and computational enzyme engineering. As societal demand for sustainable plastic management escalates, innovation at the molecular and process levels is urgently needed to address the persistent challenges posed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and mixed plastic waste. Recent breakthroughs highlight the promise of engineered cell factories, pathway optimization, and highly specific enzymes, yet significant bottlenecks remain, including limited efficiency, substrate scope, and scalability. The integration of novel computational methods, such as AI-guided enzyme design and high-throughput experimentation, has generated new momentum, paving the way for rapid discovery and enhancement of PET-degrading enzymes. However, practical implementation at scale continues to be restricted by the complexity of waste streams and the robustness of bioprocesses. The recalcitrance of crystalline PET, in particular, is increasingly addressed by combining enzymatic steps with physical and chemical pre-treatment (such as mechanical micronization, solvent swelling, or thermal conditioning), pointing to hybrid chemo-enzymatic strategies as a promising but underexplored route.In response to these challenges, this Research Topic aims to consolidate pioneering efforts in leveraging synthetic biology and state-of-the-art computational tools for PET bioconversion. The objective is to uncover new paradigms for plastic degradation and upcycling by fostering synergy between innovative strategies (such as cell-free systems, multi-enzyme catalysis, and engineered consortia) and computationally guided enzyme discovery and optimization. Because real PET waste contains dyes, plasticizers, and other polymers, the robustness of enzymes and microbes to such co-contaminants and additives is a central practical concern, as is the formation, migration, and remediation of micro- and nanoplastics when PET is broken down incompletely. Key research questions include: How can advanced enzyme engineering enhance activity and specificity for PET substrates? Can cell-free and consortia-based approaches overcome current efficiency barriers? How can biocatalysts and bioprocesses tolerate the contaminants and additives present in real waste streams while avoiding the release of micro- and nanoplastics? Which integrated DBTL frameworks can best accelerate the transition from enzyme design to industrial bioprocesses? The overarching goal is to identify robust, scalable, and environmentally relevant solutions for sustainable plastic upcycling.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research, reviews, and technological perspectives focused on cutting-edge biotechnologies for PET and mixed-plastic valorization. While the primary focus is on synthetic biology and computationally enabled enzyme engineering, studies that address the broader challenges of plastic waste diversity, contaminant tolerance, process scale-up, and the regulatory, economic, and policy context of a circular plastics economy are also welcomed. To gather further insights in PET bioconversion, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:1. Enzyme Engineering and Computational Design- AI-driven engineering of PETase and related hydrolases- Design–build–test–learn (DBTL) frameworks for rapid enzyme and process development- Thermostable and robust enzymes targeting crystalline or recalcitrant PET fractions2. Synthetic Biology and Systems Engineering- Synthetic biology platforms for advanced PET bioprocessing - Microbial consortia and their coordinated metabolic pathways for mixed plastic valorization- Cell-free systems and multi-enzyme catalytic strategies for plastic bioconversion3. Pretreatment Strategies and Adaptation to Real-World Plastic Waste- Hybrid chemo-enzymatic pre-treatment strategies (e.g., mechanical, solvent, or thermal conditioning) for crystalline PET- Enzyme and microbial robustness to co-contaminants and additives (dyes, plasticizers, mixed polymers) in real-world PET waste- Migration, monitoring, and remediation of micro- and nanoplastics generated during incomplete PET degradation4. Bioprocess Development and Industrial Translation- Integrated bioprocess design, scale-up, and assessment under real-world conditions- Metabolic modeling, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life-cycle assessment (LCA)- Circular-economy policy, certification standards, and waste-stream logistics/collection for real-world deploymentWe encourage submissions in the form of original research articles, reviews, methods, perspectives, and technology reports. Topic editors: Yichao Han, Lichao Sun Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81622/next-generation-pet-bioconversion-leveraging-synthetic-biology-and-computational-enzyme-engineering