Biological pathways for conversion of plastic waste to value-added chemicals
A continuous directed evolution platform integrating engineered PETase enzymes with microbial hosts to convert PET plastic waste into value-added chemicals such as glycolic acid and adipic acid. Combines OrthoRep-based growth-coupled evolution with synthetic biology to enable sustainable plastic recycling and bio-based chemical production.
Overview
This solution addresses the growing challenge of plastic waste by developing a biological platform that converts polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into valuable industrial chemicals. The approach integrates enhanced PETase enzymes with microbial hosts capable of utilizing PET-derived intermediates, enabling the production of compounds such as glycolic acid, adipic acid, and diamines. These outputs serve industries including cosmetics, personal care, polymers, adhesives, and sustainable textiles.
By coupling microbial growth to PET degradation, the platform enables continuous directed evolution of both enzymes and utilization pathways simultaneously. This creates a self-improving system where each cycle of growth-based selection enhances catalytic activity, ultimately producing microbial strains capable of converting real-world PET waste streams into high-value, bio-based chemicals under conditions representative of recycling facilities.
Technical specifications
Core technology components:
- PETase enzymes that enzymatically degrade PET into terephthalate and ethylene glycol (EG)
- Engineered microbial hosts (Escherichia coli and yeast) optimized for EG utilization and growth
- OrthoRep continuous evolution system that links PET degradation and intermediate consumption to microbial growth, enabling iterative improvement of enzymes and pathways
- Chemical-producing pathways for converting EG-derived intermediates into glycolic acid, adipic acid, tyrosine, and diamines
Key capabilities demonstrated:
- E. coli strain engineered to grow on ethylene glycol and convert it into glycolic acid at high efficiency
- EG utilization validated at concentrations up to 100 g/L with very high conversion rates
- Preliminary plate-based assays established using PET substrates to support engineered microbial growth
- PET-derived EG successfully converted into tyrosine as a value-added product
Target outputs and applications:
- Glycolic acid for cosmetics, solvents, and skincare formulations
- Adipic acid for nylon and polymer production
- Diamines for sustainable plastics and textile manufacturing
- Tyrosine as a specialty biochemical
Technology readiness level
The platform builds on validated prior work: the core EG-to-glycolic acid pathway has been demonstrated at high efficiency and commercialized through Phycus Biotechnologies Inc., which has scaled the fermentation and purification processes from pilot to industrial production. Plate-based assays using PET substrates have been established as proof of concept for growth-coupled selection.
The next phase involves continuous evolution to improve EG utilization in defined media, extension to yeast strains using existing OrthoRep systems, and integration of PETases into EG-utilizing hosts. At least ten rounds of continuous evolution are planned with progressively increasing substrate loads and realistic recycling-plant conditions. Final-stage strains will be sequenced to confirm improvement mechanisms and then equipped with pathways for glycolic acid, adipic acid, and diamine production, targeting robust microbial conversion of real PET substrates into monomers for sustainable plastics and textiles.
About Phycus Biotechnologies Inc
Phycus Biotechnologies Inc. specializes in the production of sustainable, bio-based chemicals for the cosmetics and personal care industries. Their primary innovation is Purolic Acid, a high-purity glycolic acid created through precision fermentation using renewable plant-based feedstocks, such as FSC-certified wood. Unlike conventional glycolic acid produced via petrochemical processes, which often contain trace contaminants like formaldehyde, the company's fermentation-based approach delivers a formaldehyde-free, biome-friendly alternative. By leveraging synthetic biology and AI-optimized workflows, the company aims to reduce carbon footprints and provide clean, traceable ingredients for high-performance skincare applications, adhesives, and polymers.
This technology addresses growing consumer demand for clean beauty products and sustainable supply chains. By offering a formaldehyde-free ingredient, Phycus helps cosmetic formulators improve product safety for skin health and the beneficial microbiome. The company has validated its fermentation and purification processes at scale, successfully transitioning from pilot-scale experiments to industrial production. Through strategic partnerships, such as their collaboration with TeselaGen Biotechnology to optimize fermentation workflows, Phycus is scaling its capacity to serve the global market with sustainable, bio-based specialty chemicals.
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