A continuous flow setup comprising an inline dialysis unit for immediate monomer removal is used for the depolymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (pMMA), synthesized via reversible addition–fragm...

The reversion of vinyl polymers with carbon-carbon backbones to their monomers represents an ideal path to alleviate the growing plastic waste stream. However, depolymerizing such stable materials rem...

Depolymerization is potentially a highly advantageous method of recycling plastic waste which could move the world closer towards a truly circular polymer economy. However, depolymerization remains ch...

Anaphase chromosome segregation depends on forces exerted by spindle microtubules. Current models propose two force-generating mechanisms: kinetochore–microtubule (kMT) depolymerization pulls chromosomes toward spindle poles (anaphase A), while antiparallel microtubule sliding in the central spindle further separates sister chromosomes by elongating the spindle (anaphase B). Experimental evidence in cells supports the sliding mechanism but contributions of the depolymerization mechanism remain unclear. We show that kMT depolymerization limits spindle elongation rather than moving chromosomes apart. We developed a chemical optogenetic approach to recruit microtubule depolymerases to kinetochores at anaphase onset, thereby increasing kMT depolymerization rates without perturbing earlier stages of mitosis. We find that increased depolymerization slows the velocity at which spindle poles move apart without changing kinetochore separation velocities. Our findings support a model in which ki

The reversion of vinyl polymers with carbon-carbon backbones to their monomers represents an ideal path to alleviate the growing plastic waste stream. However, depolymerizing such stable materials rem...

PhD Position: Biocatalytic depolymerization of new biopolymers

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Optogenetic manipulation of spindle dynamics reveals that microtubule shortening at kinetochores limits spindle elongation rather than moving chromosomes, revealing local chromosome–spindle interactio...

Polyketide synthases are engineered for the production of sustainable plastics.

Photothermal conversion can promote plastic depolymerization (chemical recycling to a monomer) through light-to-heat conversion. The highly localized temperature gradient near the photothermal agent surface allows selective heating with spatial control not observed with bulk pyrolysis. However, identifying and incorporating practical photothermal agents into plastics for end-of-life depolymerization have not been realized. Interestingly, plastics containing carbon black as a pigment present an ideal opportunity for photothermal conversion recycling. Herein, we use visible light to depolymerize polystyrene plastics into styrene monomers by using the dye in commercial black plastics. A model system is evaluated by synthesizing polystyrene–carbon black composites and depolymerizing under white LED light irradiation, producing styrene monomer in up to 60% yield. Excitingly, unmodified postconsumer black polystyrene samples are successfully depolymerized to a styrene monomer without adding catalysts or solvents. Using focused solar irradiation, yields up to 80% are observed in just 5 min. Furthermore, combining multiple types of polystyrene plastics with a small percentage of black polystyrene plastic enables full depolymerization of the mixture. This simple method leverages existing plastic additives to actualize a closed-loop economy of all-colored plastics.

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge. Effective end-of-life management of plastics remains a pressing issue. Recent advances in enzymatic technology offer promisi...

Polymer recycling must accelerate to limit ever-growing wastes and carbon dioxide emissions. Polymer chemical recycling to monomer enables multiple closed recycling loops, tackling the material and pr...