Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3069
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.
Included in
Computational Chemistry Commons, Materials Chemistry Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Polymer Chemistry Commons, Sustainability Commons