Millions of years of evolution guide AI search for pollution-fighting enzymes

AI Summary

Researchers at Murdoch University’s Bioplastics Innovation Hub are combining machine learning and biochemistry to identify enzymes that can break down plastics and other pollutants. Their approach uses evolutionary information across large enzyme databases to narrow the search for promising pollution-degrading candidates.

Databases around the world contain information on millions upon millions of enzymes that have the potential to degrade pollutants like plastic. Scientists at Murdoch University's Bioplastics Innovation Hub are combining machine learning technology and biochemistry to identify which of these enzymes have the potential to break down plastic and other harmful pollutants.