(250e) Engineering Microbial Consortia for Upcycling PET Hydrolysates

Plastic pollution is increasing rapidly worldwide, leading to adverse impacts on the environment, wildlife, and human health. One potential solution to this problem is the utilization of engineered microorganisms to convert plastics into valuable products. However, the complexity of this conversion process presents significant challenges. In this study, we introduce a synthetic microbial consortium that efficiently degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolysate and produces desired chemicals through specialized roles within the consortium. Compared to using a single microorganism, the consortium demonstrates reduced interference between metabolic pathways and faster breakdown of the plastic. These findings highlight the potential of engineered consortia as a promising and effective platform for polymer upcycling, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.