It was only in October 2024 that US researcher David Baker received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Now Baker and his colleagues have announced a new technological breakthrough: With the help of artificial intelligence, the Baker team can create super effective proteins-including a real plastic killer.
Plastic waste is everywhere: in the oceans, on landfill and even in our food. Especially polyethylenterephthalat (PET), a widespread plastic, remains in the environment for centuries. Researchers at the University of Washington have now developed a new approach to solve this problem. Under the direction of the renowned biochemist and Nobel laureate for Chemistry David Baker, it has been possible to design an enzyme with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) that can specifically dismantle plastic.
New breakthrough in protein design
David Baker is one of the most influential researchers in the field of protein design technology. In his baker laboratory at the University of Washington, he develops software that designs molecules for medical, technological and sustainable applications. His team combines computer calculations with laboratory tests to develop powerful enzymes that can specifically split or build chemical compounds.
The laboratory works internationally with other scientists to develop new solutions. One of their most important projects is the creation of enzymes that can reduce plastics. The latest success in this research could have a major impact on plastic disposal.
AI generated Enzyme that can dismantle plastic
Natural enzymes that disintegrate plastics already exist, but work slowly and less efficiently. With the help of AI, Baker and his team have designed an enzyme that specifically attacks the chemical compounds in PET. This enzyme could disassemble plastics into its basic components, making recycling easier and faster.
To find the optimal enzyme, the team tested more than 300 computer -generated proteins. Some of them proved to be particularly efficient and could be further developed for industrial use in the future. Kiera Sumida, one of the main authors of the study, is already working on making this method usable for practical applications.
Is recycling even more economical now?
Plastic recycling has so far been expensive and energy -intensive. The new enzymes could make this process much more efficient. While conventional methods need high temperatures or chemical solvents, the enzymes developed by Baker could reduce PET at low temperatures. This saves energy and could make recycling more economical.
Another advantage is the flexibility of the AI-based design. The team can adapt enzymes to match them to different types of plastic. So it could be targeted to disassemble other difficult to break down plastics with enzymes.
A step towards the circular economy
The researchers are confident that their method can be used for industrial processes in the future. Should it be possible to make the enzyme usable on a large scale, it would be a significant progress in the fight against plastic waste.
David Baker's team is already working on the next round of optimization. The goal is to make the enzymes even more stable and efficient so that they work well even under real conditions. Companies from the recycling industry observe this development with interest because it could mean an economic and ecological breakthrough.
From research into everyday life
The new enzymes are still in the development phase. But the Baker laboratory is working hard to prepare it for practical use. The combination of AI and biotechnology offers a completely new approach to the recycling problem.
While plastic waste continues to grow, this technology could help in the long term to recycle plastics more efficiently and reduce the environmental impact. Research at the University of Washington not only provides important scientific knowledge, but also a concrete perspective for a more sustainable future.
