Enzyme mimics based membrane reactor for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate degradation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer and a persistent environmental pollutant.
• Natural degradation of DEHP is inefficient, necessitating advanced remediation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel enzyme mimic nanofibers for efficient DEHP degradation.
• To immobilize the enzyme mimics onto regenerated cellulose membranes for continuous DEHP removal.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme mimicry inspired by serine proteases' catalytic triad (serine, histidine, aspartate).
• Co-assembly of peptide monomers into nanofibers (Co-HSD).
• Immobilization of Co-HSD mimics onto aldehyde-functionalized regenerated cellulose membranes via Schiff-base reaction.

Main Results:

• Co-assembled enzyme mimics (Co-HSD) exhibited high DEHP degradation activity due to synergistic effects.
• Immobilized enzyme mimics on regenerated cellulose membranes demonstrated effective and stable DEHP degradation in a continuous recycling mode.
• The biocatalytic membrane showed promise for large-scale water and liquid food depollution.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel enzyme mimic material with high DEHP degradation capability.
• Successfully created a stable biocatalytic membrane for continuous DEHP removal.
• Established a promising biomaterial for environmental remediation of DEHP contamination.