A team of researchers from England, Brazil and the US has now determined the atomic structure of an enzyme known to break down PET. The data were collected on a customer-specific X-ray detector made by the Swiss manufacturer DECTRIS and installed at the synchrotron Diamond Light Source. Based on the structure, the scientists were able to increase the activity of the enzyme for a more efficient degradation of PET. The modified enzyme shows considerable potential for the biotechnological removal of plastic waste.

DECTRIS detectors are high-performance X-ray cameras that measure X-rays diffracted on crystals to permit the determination of atomic structures of protein complexes.

About DECTRIS: DECTRIS Ltd. is the leading provider of Hybrid Photon Counting (HPC) X-ray detectors. DECTRIS’ pioneering technology has transformed basic research at synchrotron light sources, as well as X-ray applications in laboratory diffractometers. To improve measurement quality, DECTRIS also provides specific solutions for customer developments in scientific and industrial X-ray detection, thereby pushing the state of the art and enabling new scientific findings. DECTRIS has been awarded numerous technology, business and design prizes, most recently the Prix SVC Northern Switzerland.

For additional information, please contact Andreas Förster at andreas.foerster@dectris.com or refer to http://www.dectris.com.