Computations Meet Experiments to Advance the Enzymatic Depolymerization of Plastics One Atom at a Time

TL;DR

This paper discusses how combining computational and experimental methods can improve enzyme-based plastic recycling by understanding molecular mechanisms, addressing process challenges, and fostering collaboration for sustainable solutions.

Contribution

It emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental and computational approaches to understand enzymatic plastic degradation at the molecular level for better process design.

Findings

Molecular understanding is key to overcoming enzymatic recycling bottlenecks.

Enzyme design can address process constraints like harsh solvents and high temperatures.

Collaborative efforts are essential for advancing sustainable plastic recycling.

Abstract

Plastics are essential to modern life, yet poor disposal practices contribute to low recycling rates and environmental accumulation-biological degradation and by-product reuse offer a path to mitigate this global threat. This report highlights key insights, future challenges, and research priorities identified during the CECAM workshop "Computations Meet Experiments to Advance the Enzymatic Depolymerization of Plastics One Atom at a Time", held in Trieste from May 6-8, 2025. The workshop brought together an interdisciplinary community of scientists focused on advancing the sustainable use of plastics through enzyme-based degradation. A key point from the discussions is that many bottlenecks in enzymatic recycling arise not only from process engineering challenges, but also from a limited understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. We argue that constraints on economic viability and sustainability (e.g., harsh solvents, high temperatures, substrate crystallinity, pretreatments) can-and should-be addressed directly through enzyme design, provided these factors are understood at the molecular level, in synergy with process optimization. For this, it is essential to rely on the integration of experimental and computational approaches to uncover the molecular and mechanistic basis of enzymatic plastic degradation. We highlight how the small-format structure of the workshop, in line with the usual CECAM format, fostered a collaborative, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere. We hope this report encourages future initiatives and the formation of shared consortia to support an open, collaborative, and bio-based plastic recycling community.