Enzyme modified biodegradable plastic preparation and performance in anaerobic co-digestion with food waste.

[Display omitted] • PLA/PBAT underwent modification through covalent bonding with enzymes. • The anaerobic co-digestion performance of the modified biodegradable plastic with food waste was assessed and examined. • The degradation of enzyme modified biodegradable plastic could increase from 5.21% to 29.70% compare to unmodified plastic. • The hydrolysis process was enhanced by the presence of highly active Bacteroidota and Thermotogota. A modified biodegradable plastic (PLA/PBAT) was developed by through covalent bonding with proteinase K, porcine pancreatic lipase, or amylase, and was then investigated in anaerobic co-digestion mixed with food waste. Fluorescence microscope validated that enzymes could remain stable in modified the plastic, even after co-digestion. The results of thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion showed that, degradation of the plastic modified with Proteinase K increased from 5.21 ± 0.63 % to 29.70 ± 1.86 % within 30 days compare to blank. Additionally, it was observed that the cumulative methane production increased from 240.9 ± 0.5 to 265.4 ± 1.8 mL/gVS, and the methane production cycle was shortened from 24 to 20 days. Interestingly, the kinetic model suggested that the modified the plastic promoted the overall hydrolysis progression of anaerobic co-digestion, possibly as a result of the enhanced activities of Bacteroidota and Thermotogota. In conclusion, under anaerobic co-digestion, the modified the plastic not only achieved effective degradation but also facilitated the co-digestion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]