Enzymatic self-biodegradation of poly(L-lactic acid) films by embedded heat-treated and immobilized proteinase K.
2020
Non-biodegradable
microplastics have become a global problem. We
propose a new enzyme-embedded biodegradable plastic that can be self-biodegraded
anytime and anywhere. Proteinase K from Tritirachium
album was embedded in poly(l-lactic acid)
(PLLA). The PLLA solution-cast film with embedded proteinase K showed
weight loss of 78% after 96 h incubation. In addition, PLLA extruded
films embedding immobilized proteinase K encapsulated in polyacrylamide
were produced at 200 °C and embedded-enzyme degradation was monitored.
Immobilized proteinase K embedded in the extruded film maintained
its degradation activity and degraded the PLLA film from inside to
make small holes and cavities, suggesting that immobilization is a
powerful technique to prepare thermoforms with embedded enzymes. The
rate of embedded-enzyme degradation was accelerated by dividing the
film into smaller pieces, which can be regarded as a model experiment
for biodegradation of microplastics. Various biodegradable plastics
with specific embedded enzymes will contribute to solve global environmental
problems.
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