Degradation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by an enzyme mimic and its application in the degradation of intracellular DEHP.

Here, an enzyme mimic inspired by serine proteases was developed for the degradation of PAEs. This enzyme mimic, comprised an active site (SHD), a self-assembling polypeptide (LKLKLKL), a spacer (GGG) and a polymerizable site (DOPA) and showed high activity towards the degradation of DEHP in cells.