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Research with Portuguese 'touch' develops plastic-devouring enzymePhoto by DocChicago on Pexels
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Research with Portuguese 'touch' develops plastic-devouring enzyme

Notícias Lx12 September 2026 at 20:11

An enzyme that degrades polyurethane was developed by an international team co-led by Pedro Paiva, researcher at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. This solution managed to act directly on plastic without the need for prior processing.

The enzyme may contribute to new forms of recycling waste from footwear, mattresses and other products. The development represents a significant advance in the fight against plastic pollution. The research has a Portuguese 'touch', with Pedro Paiva's leadership in the co-leadership of the international team responsible for the study.

Why this matters

This Portuguese research represents a significant advance in the fight against plastic pollution, offering a potential solution for materials that are difficult to recycle that currently end up in landfills. The impact can be felt both environmentally and industrially, opening new possibilities for companies in the footwear and mattress sector in Portugal and Europe.

About this summary

This is our short summary of a report published by Notícias Lx on 12 September 2026 at 20:11; the full text stays with the publisher. In our feed it sits under Science, and it concerns Porto. We currently carry 4452 items in that section.

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