Conversion of polyethylene terephthalate into pure terephthalic acid through synergy between a solid-degrading cutinase and a reaction intermediate-hydrolysing carboxylesterase
Arpita Mrigwani, Bhishem Thakur, Purnananda Guptasarma
Abstract
LCC (in green) binds to the hydrophobic surface of solid PET and degrades it into TPA and degradation intermediates (OET, BHET and MHET) that partition away into aqueous solution. TTCE (in red) turns degradation intermediates into TPA, in solution.
Topics & Concepts
CutinaseTerephthalic acidPolyethylene terephthalateChemistryCarboxylesteraseAqueous solutionPolyesterDegradation (telecommunications)HydrolysisOrganic chemistryEthylenePolymer chemistryCatalysisEnzymeMaterials scienceComposite materialComputer scienceTelecommunicationsMicroplastics and Plastic PollutionEffects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicalsbiodegradable polymer synthesis and properties