SignificanceThe use of biological enzyme catalysts could have huge ramifications for chemical industries. However, these enzymes are often inactive in nonbiological conditions, such as high temperatures, present in industrial settings. Here, we show that the enzyme PETase (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]), with potential application in plastic recycling, is stabilized at elevated temperature through complexation with random copolymers. We demonstrate this through simulations and experiments on different types of substrates. Our simulations also provide strategies for designing more enzymatically active complexes by altering polymer composition and enzyme charge distribution.
        
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Waltmann C, Mills CE, Wang J, Qiao B, Torkelson JM, Tullman-Ercek D, Olvera de la Cruz M (2022) Functional enzyme-polymer complexes Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A119: e2119509119
Waltmann C, Mills CE, Wang J, Qiao B, Torkelson JM, Tullman-Ercek D, Olvera de la Cruz M (2022) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A119: e2119509119