New enzyme motif shows how ocean microbes are evolving to digest plastic — and could help future cleanup efforts.
New enzyme motif shows how ocean microbes are evolving to digest plastic — and could help future cleanup efforts.
Deep within the world’s oceans lurk marine bacteria armed with plastic-munching enzymes, their evolution seemingly sculpted by our synthetic castaways.
A global survey of oceanic life from researchers at KAUST shows that these microbial recyclers are not only widespread, but genetically primed to feast on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the durable polymer found in everything from soda bottles to clothing[1].
Their secret weapon is a telltale structural stamp on the PET hydrolase enzyme, known as PETase: the M5 motif.
Read More: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
Image: Bacteria armed with the M5 motif on their PETase enzyme can feast on plastic, a trait now seen thriving across the world’s oceans. (Credit: © 2025 KAUST)
