Nicholas A. Rorrer

TL;DR: 3D structure of a newly discovered enzyme that can digest highly crystalline PET, the primary material used in the manufacture of single-use plastic beverage bottles, in some clothing, and in carpets is characterized and it is shown that PETase degrades another semiaromatic polyester, polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), which is an emerging, bioderived PET replacement with improved barrier properties.

TL;DR: In this article, the challenges and opportunities associated with the catalytic transformation of waste plastics, looking at both chemical and biological approaches to transforming such spent materials into a resource, are explored and compared.

TL;DR: The characterization of the MHETase enzyme and synergy of the two-enzyme PET depolymerization system may inform enzyme cocktail-based strategies for plastics upcycling and will inform future efforts in the biological deconstruction andUpcycling of mixed plastics.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of heterogeneous Diels-Alder catalysis for the production of lignocellulosic biomass-derived aromatic compounds.

TL;DR: In this paper, the staged recovery of muconic acid from culture media, screens platinum group metals (e.g., Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru) for activity and leaching stability on activated carbon (AC) and silica supports, evaluates the time-on-stream performance of Rh/AC in a trickle bed reactor, and demonstrates the polymerization of bio-adipic acid to nylon-6,6.