Denaturing Plastic: The Degradation of Polycarbonates via Enzyme CatalysisPlastics are some of the most widely used and discarded materials today. Though convenient, these synthetic polymers have accumulated in soils, oceans, and even our bodies due to their inability to degrade. Novel polycarbonates are promising alternatives to traditional plastics, as they can be sustainably sourced and are more susceptible to degradation. In nature, enzymes are found in even the smallest of microorganisms and act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. This project aims to utilize enzymes to initiate polycarbonate degradation. This research could lead to a new class of degradable polycarbonates with a variety of properties depending on their side chain.Lucas SanchezcreatorCasey, KerrycreatorRobinson, JeromecreatorBasu, AmitcreatorAmit BasuadvisorBrown University. ChemistryBrown University. Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awardsresearch programPolymersBiodegradationEnzymesEnglishstill imagepostersriuProvidence, RIBrown University20201 posterborn digital