Ian Emmanuel González Santos made headlines when he entered a university classroom at just nine years old. His previous school had suggested he had attention deficit disorder, but he defied those expectations. By 13, he graduated as the youngest student from the University of Guadalajara. At 15, he’s already engaged in groundbreaking research on enzymes that can tackle one of the most persistent forms of plastic waste.
González holds a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology. He completed this in just four years at the Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering (CUCEI), while also earning a master’s degree in molecular biology and cytogenetics. He launched into his doctoral studies in January 2024.
During his graduation in December 2023, González reflected on his journey, stating, “It’s a mix of dreams, sacrifices, and achievements.” His story is an inspiring testament to resilience.
The Challenge of Plastic Pollution
González’s research targets a significant issue: breaking down PET plastic, found in many drink bottles and food containers. PET is durable and lightweight but can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment. In 2019, the OECD reported that global plastic production reached 460 million metric tons, doubling since 2000. Alarmingly, only nine percent of this plastic was recycled, with millions of tons entering the environment each year.
As of now, González’s doctoral work also focuses on water safety, utilizing metagenomics to assess genetic materials in Mexico’s largest lake, Lake Chapala. He balances this intense research with hobbies like track and field, music, and video games, hoping to positively impact humanity through his science.
Unpacking Plastic with Enzymes
The concept of plastic-eating bacteria sounds incredible, but the underlying chemistry is straightforward and practical. A plastic bottle consists of long chains of molecules. Enzymes effectively cut these chains into smaller, reusable building blocks.
A significant breakthrough came in 2016 with the discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium that can metabolize PET. However, the process was slow. In 2022, researchers introduced an engineered enzyme, FAST-PETase, which dramatically improved the speed of PET breakdown. This new enzyme worked on post-consumer PET products, converting them back into reusable materials.
Sorting: The Real Challenge
While enzymatic recycling offers promise, it requires specific conditions. Clean, sorted PET is essential for enzymes to work effectively. Unfortunately, most curbside recycling bins mix various materials, complicating any recycling effort. Many experts believe that enzymatic methods should complement mechanical recycling, not replace it. Proper sorting is crucial for maximizing recycling efficiency.
On an industrial scale, the challenges are even greater. The French company Carbios plans to build a facility aimed at producing recycled plastics, but the journey from lab research to practical application is long and complex.
In the U.S., the PET bottle recycling rate was 30.2 percent in 2024, slightly down from previous years. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges in recycling efforts, especially with hard-to-collect packaging materials.
A Trailblazer for Future Generations
The University of Guadalajara was taken by surprise when a nine-year-old applied for admission. Marco Antonio Pérez Cisneros, the rector of CUCEI, noted that the faculty initially had concerns but soon became enthusiastic about González’s potential. His experiences remind us of the importance of nurturing gifted students, regardless of age.
González has openly discussed the early challenges he faced, including being labeled as having an attention deficit. However, with strong support from educators and family, he charted a different course. His story resonated across Mexican media, offering hope to many students who feel different.
As we tackle the plastic pollution crisis, the OECD emphasizes the need for policies that encourage innovation. González’s journey illustrates how embracing diverse talents can lead to groundbreaking solutions, making the world a better place.
