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An efficient bacterial laccase-mediated system for polyurethane foam degradation.
Xiaomin Zhu1, Youren Duan1, Jianqi Lu1
1Key Laboratory for Waste Plastics Biocatalytic Degradation and Recycling, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|September 10, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a bacterial laccase system for degrading polyurethane (PU) plastics. The enzyme effectively breaks down PU foams, offering a new pathway for plastic biodegradation and recycling.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Polyurethane (PU) plastics pose significant recycling challenges due to their robust chemical structure.
- Developing sustainable methods for PU biodegradation is crucial for a circular economy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a Bacterial Laccase-Mediated System (BLMS) for degrading polyester- and polyether-polyurethane.
- To identify degradation products and understand the enzymatic mechanism involved in PU breakdown.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a BLMS derived from *Bacillus subtilis*, featuring laccase CotA and mediator 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS).
- Applied the BLMS to commercial and self-synthesized PU foams (polyester- and polyether-types).
- Analyzed degradation products using chemical detection methods and monitored weight loss.
Main Results:
- The BLMS achieved significant weight loss in PU foams, with polyester-foam reaching 21.24% and polyether-foam reaching 3.81%.
- Detected various oxygenated products, including ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, ethers, and 2,4-toluenediamine (2,4-TDA), confirming CotA's redox activity.
- Observed a purple color formation, attributed to the reaction between oxidized ABTS and 2,4-TDA.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial laccase CotA effectively catalyzes the hydrolysis of urethane bonds in polyurethanes.
- The developed BLMS shows promise for the biodegradation and recycling of PU plastics.
- This research contributes to advancing a bio-based circular economy for polyurethane waste management.
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