Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used thermoplastic materials in the world, commonly found in packaging, textiles, and bottles. However, its persistence in the environment has become a significant global concern due to the growing accumulation of plastic waste. While various strategies for PET degradation have been proposed, none have yet been successfully adopted at an industrial scale. Nonetheless, the discovery of microorganisms that have naturally evolved the ability to break down plastics offers a promising path forward. A major breakthrough came in 2016 with the identification of Ideonella sakaiensis , a bacterium capable of using PET as a carbon source. This microbe relies on two key enzymes- PETase and MHETase- to degrade PET into simpler, non-toxic compounds such as mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET), bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), terephthalic acid (TPA), and ethylene glycol (EG). This discovery has opened new possibilities for sustainable and biologically based solutions to the long-standing problem of plastic pollution. This mini-review summarize PETase’s structure, how to enhance its performance, and how it could be used in broader areas such as bioremediation and recycling. By laying out both the progress made and the challenges ahead, this review aims to inspire further work toward making PETase a key player in reducing plastic waste for good.