Core Viewpoint - The development of biodegradable polyurethane through enzyme methods presents a promising solution to the growing issue of polyurethane waste management, addressing the limitations of traditional recycling methods [1][4]. Group 1: Challenges in Biodegradation - Polyurethane's biodegradation is more complex than that of PET due to its multiple chemical bonds, including ester, carbamate, and ether linkages, which hinder the efficiency of biological degradation [2]. - The foamed nature of polyurethane and the presence of various additives complicate the depolymerization process, requiring higher temperatures (around 200°C) compared to the mild conditions typically used in enzyme methods [2]. Group 2: Research and Development - The research team has tested over a hundred enzyme types to identify wild polyurethane-degrading enzymes, revealing the molecular mechanisms behind their efficiency in degrading polyurethane plastics [3]. - Modified enzymes, or "artificial enzymes," have been developed that enhance the degradation efficiency of polyester-based polyurethanes by nearly 11 times compared to wild-type enzymes, significantly improving recycling rates [3]. Group 3: Advantages of Enzyme Method - The enzyme method allows for the "closed-loop regeneration" of materials, breaking down waste polyurethane into original monomers, which can produce high-quality recycled materials comparable to virgin materials [4]. - Unlike traditional mechanical and chemical recycling, which often results in lower-quality products, the enzyme method can yield materials suitable for high-end applications, such as transparent PET bottles [4]. Group 4: Future Directions - Despite the advantages, the application of enzyme methods for polyurethane degradation faces challenges, including a limited variety and quantity of degrading enzymes and some enzymes' suboptimal performance [4]. - The company aims to continue advancing the industrial application of enzyme preparations, focusing on reducing production costs and enhancing enzyme activity and stability to position enzyme methods as a key strategy in plastic pollution management [4].