Date of Award

6-2025

Degree Name

MS in Polymers and Coatings

Department/Program

Chemistry & Biochemistry

College

College of Science and Mathematics

Advisor

Erik Sapper

Advisor Department

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Advisor College

College of Science and Mathematics

Abstract

Since the industrial entrance of polymer plastic materials, plastic has become ubiquitous in both everyday use and waste. Due to inefficiencies and knowledge gaps, current recycling methods are not able to account for the high scale of plastic waste, resulting in the bulk of this waste being landfilled, mishandled, and deposited in the environment. Mycelium, the microorganism responsible for fruiting mushroom bodies and mold growth, holds potential to reduce plastic waste and can potentially be utilized as a method of industrial recycling. Following a drug-design approach, the active site of mycelial enzymes responsible for natural biopolymer degradation have been assessed for their binding properties, and these enzymes’ potential to bind synthetic polymer has been evaluated. In vivo experiments inoculate synthetic polymers including PET, polyurethane, and latex to validate these models. Polymer samples are analyzed for changes in functionality, molecular weight, thermal properties, and surface topology. Successful degradation of commercial PET and a polyurethane-polycaprolactone blend was observed, and experiments to determine degradation kinetics are proposed.

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