Expression and engineering of PET-degrading enzymes from Microbispora, Nonomuraea, and Micromonospora.

IMPORTANCE: Mismanagement of PET plastic waste significantly threatens human and environmental health. Together with the relentless increase in plastic production, plastic pollution is an issue of rising concern. In response to this challenge, scientists are investigating eco-friendly approaches, such as bioprocessing and microbial factories, to sustainably manage the growing quantity of plastic waste in our ecosystem. Industrial applicability of enzymes capable of degrading PET is limited by numerous factors, including their scarcity in nature. The objective of this study is to enhance our understanding of this group of enzymes by identifying and characterizing novel enzymes that can facilitate the breakdown of PET waste. This data will expand the enzymatic repertoire and provide valuable insights into the prerequisites for successful PET degradation.