‘Pac-Man enzyme’ on bacterial surfaces eats polyester bioplastic and cleaves penicillin

Researchers found an enzyme on bacterial surfaces that consumes polyester bioplastic and cleaves penicillin. The mechanism could underpin new plastic-recycling and antibiotic-resistance technologies.

• The enzyme acts on the surface of bacterial cells
• It breaks down polyester bioplastic and penicillin
• Potential uses span plastic recycling and antibiotic resistance