# Plastic-Destroying Enzymes Researchers Have Accidentally Created a Plastic-Eating Mutant Enzyme By Justin Lam | Published 2018-04-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutant-enzyme References: [cnet](https://www.cnet.com/news/scientists-create-mutant-enzymes-that-eat-plastic-bottles/) & [theguardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/16/scientists-accidentally-create-mutant-enzyme-that-eats-plastic-bottles) Researchers at the [University of Portsmouth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-glitter1), UK have made a breakthrough in breaking down waste with the discovery of a mutant enzyme. The newly created enzyme was created by accident while tweaking a bacterium discovered in a Japanese waste dump. The original bacterium was first discovered in 2016 and was chosen for study as it had naturally evolved to eat plastic, but the tweaks made by researchers furthered this ability in the bacterium to the point where it could even break down polyethylene terephthalate. The discovery of this new mutant enzyme could lead to amazing strides in [waste management](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pfas-removal-technology) as plastic, which takes centuries to break-down, could be fully consumed in just a matter of days. John McGeehan, the lead professor on this research, has spoken to the future use of this mutant enzyme as it would allow manufacturers to turn plastic back into plastic in a way that reduces harm to the environment. Image Credit: Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Plastic-eating Enzyme:** Opportunity for developing enzyme based waste management system. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** Developing eco-friendly production processes with mutant plastic-eating enzymes. - **Bio-remediation Technology:** Development of technology capable of breaking down pollutants into harmless compounds. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Waste Management:** Enzyme-based technology has the potential to revolutionize the waste management industry. - **Plastics:** The discovery of the mutant enzyme provides a new methodology for recycling plastics with the aim of reducing harm to the environment. - **Biotechnology:** This new enzyme-based technology could lead to the development of innovative biotech solutions for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Fungi-Powered Diapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycodigestible-diaper.md) - [Bio-Based Single-Use Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus.md) - [Biotransformable Cup Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen.md) - [Plant-Based Plastic Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-pet-bottle.md) - [Adaptable Plastic Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2m-group.md) - [Upcycled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaex-building-systems-inc.md) - [Biodegradable Cheese Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese.md) - [Living Printable Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ink.md)