Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device that efficiently breaks down plastic waste into recyclable materials using cutinase enzymes, reducing waste and environmental impact and also optimizes enzyme production and application by maintaining ideal temperature, pH, and flow conditions, ensuring effective degradation of plastic polymers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The world is facing an unprecedented plastic waste management crisis. Plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern, polluting oceans, waterways, and landscapes. The alarming rate of plastic waste generation, coupled with inadequate disposal methods, has severe consequences for ecosystems, human health, and the economy.

[0003] Traditionally, plastic waste management relies on mechanical recycling, landfill disposal, and incineration. Mechanical recycling, although effective for certain plastics, is often hindered by contamination, high energy costs, and limited recyclability. Landfill disposal leads to leachate contamination and methane production, while incineration releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. These methods fail to address the root problem – the sheer volume of plastic waste.

[0004] WO2019168811A1 discloses engineered enzymes, capable of degrading polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the engineered enzymes and cells that express the engineered enzymes. Methods of degrading polymers such as aromatic and semi-aromatic polyesters are also provided.

[0005] CA2281109C relates to the complete degradation by enzymes of moldings, sheet-like products, coatings, adhesives or foams made of biodegradable polymers. the invention relates in particular to the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides, and of polyester urethanes which contain urea groups.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of break down plastic waste into recyclable materials, however these existing devices are incapable of maintaining optimal temperature and pH levels, which causes problem in degradation of plastic polymers. In addition, these existing devices also fail in providing real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities to ensure efficient operation.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of decomposing plastic waste into recyclable materials, optimized by precise temperature, pH, and flow management for maximum efficiency.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that efficiently break down plastic waste into recyclable materials using cutinase enzymes produced by pseudomonas putida bacteria, thereby facilitating easier recycling of plastic wastes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring optimal conditions for cutinase enzyme production and application by maintaining optimal temperature and pH levels, regulating enzyme flow and application, and monitoring and adjusting parameters in real-time, thereby enabling effective degradation of plastic polymers.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a user-friendly and automated experience, allowing users to easily load and unload plastic waste, and automatically grind and transfer plastic for degradation, thereby providing a real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities ensure efficient operation.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device that is capable of decomposing plastic waste into recyclable materials by utilizing cutinase enzymes, minimizing environmental harm. Additionally, the proposed device also precisely control temperature, pH, and flow levels to optimize enzyme production and application, guaranteeing efficient polymer degradation.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device, comprising a platform designed to be placed over a fixed surface, a first compartment installed with the platform accessed by a user to place plant leaves and pseudomonas putida bacteria are already positioned inside the housing for break down the leaves and initiate production of cutinase enzymes, a primary Peltier unit installed at outer periphery of the first compartment to manage an ideal temperature inside the first compartment, a temperature sensor installed with the first compartment to determine temperature inside the first compartment, a multi-sectioned chamber installed with the compartment, designed to store multiple solutions like acidic, basic, and iron supplementation solutions, a pH sensor installed at inner wall the first compartment for monitoring pH level of cutinase solution and an electronic nozzle installed with each of the chambers to release the solutions in the compartment for regulating the pH level.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of multiple motorized iris holes installed at base of the first compartment to let cutinase solution flow into a second compartment installed on the platform, a third compartment mounted on the platform designed for accommodating plastic wastes, a weight sensor installed with the third compartment for detecting weight of plastics, a motorized grinding unit installed within the third compartment to break the plastic into smaller, manageable pieces, an L-shaped extendable bracket equipped with a plate to transfer broken plastic into a recycling chamber installed adjacently to the third compartment, a motorized flap installed with the third compartment to get open and close for translating the plastic into the recycling chamber, an electronic valve attached to the second compartment for regulating the flow of cutinase enzyme-rich liquid from the second compartment to the recycling chamber, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded within the third compartment, responsible for detecting the type and thickness of plastics accommodated inside, a flow sensor integrated within the conduit, responsible for continuously monitoring the flow of cutinase liquid dispensed into the recycling chamber, a secondary Peltier unit installed within the recycling chamber for enhancing temperature control capabilities and a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device that is capable of harnessing cutinase enzymes to break down plastic waste into recyclable materials, during precised temperature, pH, and flow control that in turn ensures optimal enzyme performance and efficient polymer degradation.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 installed with a first compartment 102, a multi-sectioned chamber 103 attached to the first compartment 102, an electronic nozzle 104 attached with the first compartment 102, plurality of motorized iris holes 105 located at bottom of first compartment 102, a net 106 positioned at apex of a second compartment 107 installed on the platform 101, a third compartment 108 installed on the platform 101, a motorized grinding unit 109 attached inside the third compartment 108, a L-shaped extendable bracket 110 attached inside the third compartment 108, a recycling chamber 111 installed in continuation with third compartment 108 and a conduit 112 linking the second compartment 107 with recycling chamber 111.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a platform 101, serves as a main foundation of the device and designed to be placed over a fixed surface, wherein the platform 101 is installed with a first compartment 102 accessed by a user to place plant leaves and pseudomonas putida bacteria are already positioned inside the housing for break down the leaves and initiate production of cutinase enzymes.

[0024] The process begins when a microcontroller of the device actuates a primary Peltier unit, which is installed at outer periphery of the first compartment 102 to manage an ideal temperature inside the compartment 102 for better growth of the bacterial, The primary Peltier unit is a thermoelectric cooler that uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other when an electrical current is passed. The primary Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor materials connected in a sandwich-like fashion. These materials are typically made of bismuth telluride and one side of the primary Peltier unit is called the hot side and the other is the cold side.

[0025] When a direct current is applied to the primary Peltier unit, electrodes within the semiconductor material start moving from one side to the other. The Peltier effect occurs as a result of electron movement. When electrons flow from the cold side to the hot side, they carry heat with them. This leads to one side of the primary Peltier unit becoming colder, and the other side becoming hooter. This effect allows the primary Peltier unit to effectively transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature gradient.

[0026] The first compartment 102 having a temperature sensor, which continuously determine temperature inside the first compartment 102. The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects temperature changes in the compartment 102 by altering its electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly. The microcontroller continuously monitors the data from the temperature sensor and determine temperature of the first compartment 102. Based on the detected temperature, the microcontroller regulates operation of the primary Peltier unit to maintain optimal temperature inside the first compartment 102 to enhance the growth of the bacteria, which results in efficient production of the cutinase.

[0027] A multi-sectioned chamber 103 installed with the compartment 102 to store multiple solutions such as acidic, basic, and iron supplementation solutions, wherein the first compartment 102 installed with a pH sensor at its inner wall for monitoring pH level of cutinase solution. The pH sensor consists of a probe, usually made of glass or a special polymer, with a thin bulb at the end. This bulb contains a solution with known pH. A reference electrode is fabricated within the probe that remains at a constant pH, providing a stable reference point for comparison of pH of the cutinase solution. The thin bulb contains an ion selective electrode that selectively interacts with the hydrogen ions in the continase solution. This interaction generates a voltage proportional to the pH of the continase solution. The generated voltage is sent to the microcontroller, which measures the pH value of the continase solution based on the voltage received. The microcontroller continuously monitors the pH of the continase solution.

[0028] Based on the monitored pH, the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 104 installed with each of the chambers 103 to release the solutions in the compartment 102 for regulating the pH level and provide essential nutrients for bacterial growth. The electronic nozzle 104 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 104 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force.

[0029] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized iris holes 105 installed at base of the first compartment 102 to let cutinase solution flow into a second compartment 107 installed on the platform 101. The second compartment 107 atop portion is fabricated with a net 106 to allow passage of water only and get stored in the second chamber 103.

[0030] A third compartment 108 mounted on the platform 101 designed for accommodating plastic wastes. The third compartment 108 easily accessible to the user, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of plastic materials, wherein a weight sensor installed with the third compartment 108 and get actuated by the microcontroller detecting weight of plastics.

[0031] The weight sensor is typically a load cell or strain gauge sensor. The plastics exert a downward force to the weight sensor due to their weight. The weight sensor detects this force and converts it into an electrical signal, typically in the form of voltage variations. The raw electrical signal is weak and noisy. Therefore, it goes through signal conditioning circuitry to amplify, stabilize, and filter the signal. This conditioned signal is then sent to the microcontroller and the microcontroller continuously monitors the weight of the stored plastic.

[0032] Based on the detected weight, the microcontroller actuates a motorized grinding unit 109 installed within the third compartment 108 to break the plastic into smaller, manageable pieces. The grinding unit 109 is equipped with blades or paddles that are capable of effectively breaking the plastic when in operation. These blades are strategically positioned to create turbulence and ensure thorough mixing of the paint. The blades or paddles of the grinding unit 109 are shaped and positioned to create a vortex within the paint container, ensuring that all the components of the plastic are thoroughly broken. The grinding unit 109 is connected to a small and powerful electric motor that provides the necessary rotatory motion to the grinding unit 109 to effectively break the plastic down.

[0033] The third compartment 108 having an L-shaped extendable bracket 110, which is equipped with a plate to transfer broken plastic into a recycling chamber 111 installed adjacently to the third compartment 108. In continuation, a motorized flap installed with the third compartment 108 to get open and close for translating the plastic into the recycling chamber 111.

[0034] An electronic valve attached to the second compartment 107 and is controlled by the microcontroller, responsible for regulating the flow of cutinase enzyme-rich liquid from the second compartment 107 to the recycling chamber 111, ensuring precise regulation of liquid flow. A conduit 112 links the second compartment 107 to the recycling chamber 111, creating a smooth passage for the liquid to flow over the plastic pieces. The conduit 112 is designed to facilitate efficient transfer of the enzyme-rich liquid, minimizing any potential obstruction or blockage. The conduit 112 diameter and length are optimized to ensure a consistent flow rate.

[0035] The electronic valve and conduit 112 system work in tandem to distribute the cutinase enzyme-rich liquid evenly over the plastic pieces in the recycling chamber 111. As the liquid flows through the conduit 112, it comes into contact with the broken-down plastic, breaking the polymer bonds and facilitating degradation. This process enables easier recycling of the plastic material. Within the recycling chamber 111, the cutinase enzymes in the liquid break down the plastic's polymer chains, reducing the molecular weight and making the material more susceptible to degradation. The electronic valve regulates the flow of liquid to ensure optimal enzyme distribution, while the conduit 112 ensures consistent delivery. This controlled process facilitates efficient degradation.

[0036] An ultrasonic sensor is embedded within the third compartment 108, responsible for detecting the type and thickness of plastics accommodated inside. This sensor utilizes high-frequency sound waves to gather data on the plastic material's properties. The sensor's output is transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the data received from the ultrasonic sensor and regulates the operation of the grinding unit 109 accordingly. This ensures that the grinding unit 109 performance is tailored to the specific requirements of the plastic material being processed.

[0037] The device incorporates a flow sensor integrated within the conduit 112, responsible for continuously monitoring the flow of cutinase liquid dispensed into the recycling chamber 111. This sensor provides real-time data on the liquid flow rate, ensuring precise control over the enzyme application process. The microcontroller receives data from the flow sensor and regulates the actuation of the valve based on the weight of plastic materials in the recycling chamber 111. This closed-loop control ensures consistent and effective liquid application, optimizing the degradation process. The microcontroller takes into account the weight of plastic materials, as detected by the weight sensor in the third compartment 108, to adjust the valve's actuation. This ensures that the optimal amount of cutinase liquid is dispensed, proportional to the amount of plastic material being processed.

[0038] A secondary Peltier unit installed within the recycling chamber 111, further enhancing temperature control capabilities. The secondary Peltier unit ensures optimal temperature conditions for breaking down polymer chains in plastic materials. The secondary Peltier unit maintains an optimal temperature, ideal for cutinase enzyme activity. This temperature range facilitates efficient degradation of plastic polymers, ensuring effective breaking of molecular bonds.

[0039] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be placed over the fixed surface, the first compartment 102 accessed by the user to place plant leaves and pseudomonas putida bacteria are already inside the housing for break down the leaves and initiate production of cutinase enzymes, then the primary Peltier unit to manage the ideal temperature inside the compartment 102, the temperature sensor to determine temperature inside the first compartment 102, the multi-sectioned chamber 103 to store multiple solutions like acidic, basic, and iron supplementation solutions. Further, the pH sensor for monitoring pH level of cutinase solution, the electronic nozzle 104 to release the solutions in the compartment 102 for regulating the pH level, multiple motorized iris holes 105 to let cutinase solution flow into the second compartment 107, then the third compartment 108 accommodating plastic wastes and the weight sensor detecting weight of plastics. Simultaneously, the motorized grinding unit 109 to break the plastic into smaller pieces, the L-shaped extendable bracket 110 transfer broken plastic into the recycling chamber 111 then the motorized flap get open and close for translating the plastic into the recycling chamber 111, the electronic valve for regulating the flow of cutinase enzyme-rich liquid from the second compartment 107 to the recycling chamber 111, the ultrasonic sensor for detecting the type and thickness of plastics accommodated inside. In continuation, the flow sensor for monitoring the flow of cutinase liquid dispensed into the recycling chamber 111, the secondary Peltier unit for enhancing temperature control capabilities and the battery to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) An automated enzyme-driven polymer degradation device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface and installed with a first compartment 102 for receiving plant leaves, wherein pseudomonas putida bacteria are housed inside said first compartment 102 to break down said leaves and naturally produce cutinase enzymes;
ii) a primary Peltier unit connected to outer periphery of said first compartment 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to maintain an optimal temperature for growth of pseudomonas putida bacteria and efficient production of cutinase enzymes, wherein a temperature sensor is positioned inside said first compartment 102 to monitor temperature within said first compartment 102, and maintain optimal range for bacterial growth, ensuring stable and consistent conditions for cutinase production;
iii) a multi-sectioned chamber 103 attached to said first compartment 102 for holding various solutions, including acidic, basic, and iron supplementation solutions, wherein a pH sensor is attached to inner wall of compartment 102 to continuously monitor pH level of cutinase solution and activate an electronic nozzle 104 attached with first compartment 102 to dispense said solutions into said compartment 102 as needed to regulate the pH and provide essential nutrients for bacterial growth;
iv) plurality of motorized iris holes 105 located at bottom of first compartment 102 to allow flow of cutinase solution into a second compartment 107 when activated, with a net 106 positioned at apex of said second compartment 107 ensuring that only liquid passes through and is stored inside said second compartment 107;
v) a third compartment 108 installed on said platform 101 that is accessed by a user for accommodating plastic wastes, integrated with a weight sensor for detecting weight of plastics stored inside said third compartment 108, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of a motorized grinding unit 109 attached inside said third compartment 108 to break plastic down into smaller, manageable pieces;
vi) a L-shaped extendable bracket 110 attached inside said third compartment 108 and is equipped with a plate at its end to facilitate transfer of plastic into a recycling chamber 111 installed in continuation with third compartment 108, wherein a motorized flap is attached vertically to one side of third compartment 108, designed to open and close using a drawer mechanism to facilitate transfer of ground plastic into said recycling chamber 111; and
vii) an electronic valve attached with said second compartment 107, with a conduit 112 linking said second compartment 107 with recycling chamber 111 to create a smooth passage for liquid to flow from for over plastic pieces inside said recycling chamber 111, thereby breaking polymer bonds of plastic and facilitating degradation for easier recycling.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller regulates operation of said grinding unit 109 based on type and thickness of plastics accommodated inside said third compartment 108, as detected by an ultrasonic sensor embedded within said third compartment 108.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flow sensor is integrated within said conduit 112 to continuously monitor flow of cutinase liquid dispensed into recycling chamber 111, and said microcontroller based on weight of plastic materials regulates actuation of valve to ensure consistent and effective liquid application.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a secondary Peltier unit is installed within said recycling chamber 111, to regulate and maintain temperature at an optimal level for breaking down polymer chains in plastic material.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.