PETase Enzyme Therapy—A New Frontier in Medical Microplastic Removal

  • PETase variants efficiently degrade PET microplastics at human body temperature.
  • Enzyme therapy with PETase is proven non-toxic to human cells.
  • Encapsulation and surface display boost targeting, stability, and circulation.
  • PETase-based therapeutics promise actual molecular breakdown of microplastics.
  • Biocatalytic agents could eclipse filtration for long-term microplastic management.
  1. PETase degradation in serum (2024)
  2. Current advances in PETase engineering (2023)
  3. Enhancement via FAST-PETase (2023)
  4. Advances in cytotoxic enzyme delivery (2022)
  5. Plastic-eating enzymes in waste management (2022)

The medical application of PETase, particularly engineered variants like S238A, FAST-PETase, and DuraPETase, is gaining traction for its ability to degrade PET microplastics efficiently at body temperature. Safety studies show PETase does not compromise human cell viability, and its monomer byproducts (TPA and MHET) are quickly excreted with minimal toxicity.

Advanced delivery systems—such as enzyme encapsulation in erythrocytes or surface display techniques—increase PETase circulation time and tissue targeting. Compared to physical filtration, enzyme therapeutics promise true biodegradation rather than mere sequestration or removal. As mutational and design strategies progress, enzyme therapeutics may become integral in reducing microplastic load from the human body.