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Biocatalytic polyester acrylation--process optimization and enzyme stability.
Anna E V Hagström1, Mathias Nordblad, Patrick Adlercreutz
1Department of Biotechnology, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. anna.hagstrom@biotek.lu.se
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|September 30, 2008
Summary
Optimized enzymatic transesterification using Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) achieved high polyester acrylation. Continuous processing with Novozym 435 or CalB/MP1000 enhanced yields and enzyme stability, minimizing process costs.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis
- Polymer Chemistry
- Enzyme Engineering
Background:
- Polyester modification is crucial for advanced material properties.
- Enzymatic transesterification offers a green route for polymer functionalization.
- Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) is a versatile biocatalyst for esterification reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the acrylation of an OH-functional polyester using ethyl acrylate.
- To evaluate the performance and stability of two different Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) preparations: Novozym 435 and CalB immobilized on Accurel MP1000.
- To assess the impact of process conditions on acrylation efficiency and polyester degradation.
Main Methods:
- Acrylation of OH-functional polyester via transesterification with ethyl acrylate.
- Catalysis using Novozym 435 and immobilized CalB/MP1000.
- Process optimization including low pressure (15 kPa), continuous ethyl acrylate inflow, and ethanol distillation.
- Enzyme stability and activity assessment through half-life determination.
Main Results:
- Batch transesterification led to incomplete acrylation and polyester degradation.
- Optimized continuous process achieved a high degree of polyester acrylation.
- Novozym 435 and CalB/MP1000 exhibited half-lives of 180 h and 324 h, respectively.
- Product yields were 3600 and 6200 times the catalyst weight for Novozym 435 and CalB/MP1000, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Continuous enzymatic transesterification under optimized conditions significantly improves polyester acrylation efficiency.
- The tested CalB preparations demonstrate good stability and high catalytic efficiency, making them suitable for industrial application.
- Enzyme-catalyzed acrylation offers a cost-effective and sustainable method for polyester modification with minimal impact on overall process costs.
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