Development of self-degradable aliphatic polyesters by embedding lipases via melt extrusion

摘要

Several lipases were embedded into the aliphatic biodegradable polyesters poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) and polycaprolactone, all of which normally exhibit limited environmental degradation. Observed composite films were all enzymatic self-degraded in buffered solutions. Four different lipases (Lipase AK Amano, Lipase G Amano 50 and Lipase PS Amano SD and Lipozyme CALB L) that have sufficient thermal stability and high degradation activity for each polyester, were selected out and embedded in films of these polymers produced using melt extrusion. Even low concentrations of these lipases embedded in the polyester films resulted in significant degradation after a short time period, suggesting that the lipases retained their activities after melt extrusion. The mechanical properties of the films containing these lipases were essentially unchanged except for decreased elongation at break values. This study demonstrates the viability of using embedded enzymes to obtain self-degradable polymers as an approach that can provide the existing polymers a degradation initiation function to solving environmental issues related to plastic waste.