Protein Evolution, a startup founded by serial inventor Jonathan Rothberg and his colleague, Connor Lynn, is utilizing artificial intelligence to create enzymes that can break down plastics and plastic-based textiles. The company aims to address the issue of plastic waste, as only 9% of plastic is currently recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or being incinerated. By using AI to engineer new enzymes, Protein Evolution hopes to make old textiles fully recyclable, turning them into a material called Biopure that can be used in fabrics.
The company’s proprietary AI model incorporates data on tens of thousands of proteins to design new enzymes that can efficiently break down plastics. Although the initial success rate of the AI model was low, with 99% of suggested enzymes being ineffective, the team has since improved the design process and made significant progress. With $25 million in venture funding, Protein Evolution plans to build a pilot plant that can produce 300 tons of recycled plastic per year by 2025, with a commercial plant capable of producing 50,000 tons per year planned for 2028.
Protein Evolution is not the only company focusing on biological recycling, as other companies like Carbios and Breaking are also working on similar solutions. While the potential for biological recycling is promising, scaling up these processes carries risks. Protein Evolution is currently generating limited revenue from development deals with consumer brands, including Stella McCartney, and will need to further expand its operations to achieve commercial scale. The success of these companies in the plastics recycling industry will depend on managing costs and establishing a reliable supply chain for plastic waste.
Jonathan Rothberg, known for his contributions to DNA sequencing technology, co-founded Protein Evolution with the goal of addressing the plastic waste problem. By utilizing AI and biological engineering, the company aims to develop enzymes that can efficiently degrade plastics, potentially leading to the creation of new biodegradable plastics. With the support of investors, including fashion brands and government incentives, Protein Evolution is working towards commercializing its recycled polyester materials and expanding into other synthetic materials beyond polyester.
Despite the challenges and complexities involved in scaling up biological recycling processes, there is significant potential for innovations like those being pursued by Protein Evolution. The company’s aggressive commercialization timeline and partnerships with fashion brands indicate a strong commitment to sustainable practices in the industry. With the support of investors and ongoing research efforts, Protein Evolution aims to revolutionize the textile recycling sector and potentially develop new types of biodegradable plastics for a more sustainable future.
