Biography

Contact Information

phone:+30 210 7723158

email: kmakri@chemeng.ntua.gr

Research Interests

My research centers on the enzymatic degradation of synthetic polymers, with a particular emphasis on different non- and biodegradable polyesters. Through a combination of experimental and computational techniques, I am investigating the underlying mechanisms of degradation and identifying the most promising enzymes for breaking down these widely used polymers. I am also expanding my research to include protein engineering, with the goal of optimizing the activity and stability of enzymes involved in polymer degradation processes. My ultimate objective is to contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for the disposal and recycling of plastic waste.

Education and Work Experience

PhD Candidate, Biotechnology                                  2022-present

Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

Thesis: Enzymatic degradation of plastics

MΕng, Chemical Engineering                                    2016-2021

School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (8.78/10)

Diploma Thesis: Discovery and enhancement of heterologous expression of polyesterases capable to degrade plastics (Best Diploma Thesis Award 2021, Department of Synthesis and Development of Industrial Processes)

Packaging Engineer, Internship                               2020

Colgate-Palmolive, Piraeus, Greece

Capability Process Analysis & Calculation, Label Quality Issues, Finished Good Risk Assessment & Palletization, Training material for leakage test update, New bottle perform trial tests, Stacking test, MSB Inspections, EOHS

Publications List

Makryniotis, K.; Nikolaivits Ε.; Gkountela C.; Vouyiouka S.; Topakas E., Discovery of a polyesterase from Deinococcus maricopensis and comparison to the benchmark LCCICCG suggests high potential for semi crystalline post-consumer PET degradation, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 455, 131574, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131574

Pantelic, B.; Skaro Bogojevic, S.; Milivojevic, D.; Ilic-Tomic, T.; Loncarevic, B.; Beskoski, V.; Maslak, V.; Guzik, M.; Makryniotis, K.; Taxeidis, G.; Siaperas, R.; Topakas, E.; Nikodinovic-Runic, J. Set of Small Molecule Polyurethane (PU) Model Substrates: Ecotoxicity Evaluation and Identification of PU Degrading Biocatalysts. Catalysts 2023, 13, 278, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13020278

Conferences List

Makryniotis K., A novel PET hydrolase with high potential for degradation of crystalline plastics. 1oth International Conference of Mikrobiokosmos, 02-04 December 2023, Larissa, Greece

Makryniotis K., Side to side comparison of a novel wild-type polyesterase from Deinococcus maricopensis with LCCICCG indicates promising degradation of semicrystalline post-consumer PET. 16th International Symposium on Biocatalysis & Biotransformations (Biotrans), 25-29 June 2023, La Rochelle, France

Makryniotis K., Nikolaivits E., Taxeidis G., Gkountela C., Vouyiouka S., Nikodinovic-Runic J., Topakas E. An interdisciplinary approach for the discovery and utilization of novel polymer degrading enzymes. 8th International Conference on Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers, November 14-16, 2022, Alicante, Spain, Oral Presentation 18

Makryniotis K., Nikolaivits E., Taxeidis G., Jeremic S., Nikodinovic-Runic J., Gkountela C., Vouyiouka S., Topakas E. Discovery of novel polyesterases capable to degrade plastic waste. 13rd Panhellenic Scientific Conference in Chemical Engineering (PESXM), June 2-4, 2022, Patra, Greece, Poster 283

Makryniotis K., Taxeidis G., Nikolaivits E., Jeremic S., Nikodinovic-Runic J., Gkountela C., Vouyiouka S., Topakas E. Discovery of novel polyesterases capable of degrading a variety of synthetic polyesters. EMEC, November 30-December 3, 2021, Novi Sad, Serbia, Poster (Best Poster Award)