Neural Network Finds an Enzyme that Can Break Down Polyurethane

Why It Matters

By turning a major, cross‑linked plastic waste stream into a recyclable feedstock, the breakthrough could dramatically reduce landfill and incineration of polyurethane, opening a scalable, circular pathway for a $22 million‑ton market. It also validates neural‑network‑based enzyme engineering as a rapid route to solve other persistent polymer‑waste challenges.