Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Enzymatic Modification and Flow Cytometry Assessment of Yeast Surface Displayed Proteins
Published on: May 30, 2025
Evaluation of the biodegradability of polyurethane and its derivatives by using lipase-displaying arming yeast
Seiji Shibasaki1, Ai Kawabata, Takanori Tanino
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8530, Japan. Seiji@huhs.ac.jp
Abstract:
Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) has been used to polymerize and degrade polyesters. We developed a convenient method for investigating the biodegradability of plastics that involves the use of CALB-displaying "arming yeast." Polyurethane containing dulcitol units was prepared and used as the model material. Additionally, standard polyurethane with no dulcitol units was prepared by reacting 2,4-toluene diisocyanate with ethylene glycol. These polymers were incubated with CALB-displaying yeast cells. The polyurethane containing dulcitol was degraded, while the standard polyurethane was relatively unaffected. Arming yeast displaying appropriate enzymes can be used to investigate the biodegradability of synthetic plastics. It was also revealed that arming yeasts were applicable to evaluate the degradation of the film state of polyurethane.
Related Concept Videos
Higher Derivatives
Derivatives
Yeast Signaling
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Measurement: Derived Units

