Ultrasound-enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Bioresour Technol. 2016 Oct:218:1298-302. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.07.106. Epub 2016 Jul 26.

Abstract

The application of ultrasound was found to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). After a short activation phase up to 6.6times increase in the amount of released products was found. PET powder with lower crystallinity of 8% was hydrolyzed faster when compared to PET with 28% crystallinity. Ultrasound activation was found to be around three times more effective on powders vs. films most likely due to a larger surface area accessible to the enzyme.

Keywords: Cutinases; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Poly(ethylene terephthalate) degradation; Ultrasound-assisted process.

MeSH terms

  • Enzymes* / chemistry
  • Enzymes* / metabolism
  • High-Energy Shock Waves*
  • Hydrolysis
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates* / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates* / metabolism
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates* / radiation effects
  • Sonication

Substances

  • Enzymes
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates