MIXed plastics biodegradation and UPcycling using microbial communities: EU Horizon 2020 project MIX-UP started January 2020

• DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00536-5
• Publication Date: 2021-08-21T20:03:02Z
• Authors: Hendrik Ballerstedt; Till Tiso; Nick Wierckx; Ren Wei; Luc Averous; Uwe Bornscheuer; Kevin O’Connor; Tilman Floehr; Andreas Jupke; Jürgen Klankermayer; Luo Liu; Victor de Lorenzo; Tanja Narancic; Juan Nogales; Rémi Perrin; Eric Pollet; Auxiliadora Prieto; William Casey; Thomas Haarmann; Alexandru Sarbu; Ulrich Schwaneberg; Fengxue Xin; Weiliang Dong; Jiamin Xing; Guo-Qiang Chen; Tianwei Tan; Min Jiang; Lars M. Blank
• Keywords: Bioplastic; Circular Economy

Abstract This article introduces the EU Horizon 2020 research project MIX-UP, "Mixed plastics biodegradation and upcycling using microbial communities". The focuses on changing traditional linear value chain of to a sustainable, biodegradable based one. Plastic mixtures contain five top six fossil-based recalcitrant [polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PUR), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS)], along with upcoming bioplastics polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polylactate (PLA) will be used as feedstock for transformations. Consecutive controlled enzymatic degradation mechanically pre-treated wastes combined subsequent conversion polymers value-added chemicals by mixed cultures. Known plastic-degrading enzymes optimised integrated protein engineering achieve high specific binding capacities, stability, catalytic efficacy towards broad spectrum plastic under salt temperature conditions. Another focus lies in search isolation novel active polymers. MIX-UP formulate enzyme cocktails tailored waste streams strives enhance production significantly. In vivo vitro application these enable stable, self-sustaining microbiomes convert released monomers selectively into products, key building blocks, biomass. Any remaining material activities recirculated process physicochemical treatment. Chinese–European consortium is multidisciplinary industry-participating address market need sustainable routes valorise streams. project's new workflow realises circular (bio)plastic economy adds present poorly recycled where mechanical chemical recycling show limits.