In a nondescript lab nestled in an old gun factory in New Haven, Connecticut, a groundbreaking experiment is underway. Here, a cutting-edge machine is put to work, heating plastic waste to a scorching temperature of 536 degrees Fahrenheit, producing gloopy strings of material that solidify upon contact with the air. The ultimate objective of this venture? To harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to craft innovative enzymes capable of effectively breaking down plastics and plastic-based textiles.
At the heart of this scientific endeavor lies the concept of biological recycling – a revolutionary approach that employs enzymes to swiftly degrade plastic without generating microplastics or compromising the integrity of the material in the process. Initially, Protein Evolution, the pioneering company spearheading this initiative, encountered a staggering 99% rate of failure with the new enzymes proposed by the AI model. However, through meticulous refinement and continuous learning from both successes and setbacks, the AI system gradually honed its ability to design potent plastic-digesting enzymes.
Bolstered by a substantial $25 million in venture capital and ambitious plans to secure additional funding, Protein Evolution, a relatively young startup established three years ago, is poised to construct a pilot plant capable of churning out 300 tons of recycled plastic annually by 2025. Scaling up to industrial proportions will necessitate the establishment of a mammoth 50,000-ton facility, integration into the plastic waste disposal ecosystem to procure sufficient raw material, and the maintenance of competitive pricing to entice commercial partners to adopt their recycled polyester.
The brainchild behind this transformative venture is David Rothberg, who was inspired to focus on plastic waste after a serendipitous encounter with Ludwik Leibler, a distinguished physicist renowned for his research on plastics. Recognizing the inherent challenges in breaking down plastics due to their resilient structure, Rothberg and his team turned to AI to expedite the process of enzyme design. This innovative approach holds the promise of revolutionizing the plastic recycling landscape by introducing a sustainable solution that minimizes waste and environmental harm.
In a symbolic collaboration with renowned fashion designer Stella McCartney, Protein Evolution showcased the efficacy of its biological recycling methodology by transforming hefty industrial straps used in cargo transportation into recycled materials. Looking ahead, the company is contemplating a more ambitious objective: leveraging enzymes to develop a novel breed of biodegradable plastics that disintegrate naturally, further cementing its status as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable innovation.
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