Pseudomonas chlororaphis microorganism, polyurethane degrading enzyme obtained therefrom, and method of use

摘要

Wild-type bacteria with polyurethanase activity, and the ability to excrete polyurethanase into a culture medium have been genetically altered to significantly increase their polyurethanase activity. Biologically pure cultures of these genetically altered are cultured in a medium containing an inducer for the production of polyurethanase. The bacteria are then removed from the culture medium to provide a preparation with a high polyurethanase activity. One useful genetically altered bacteria is a strain of Pseudomonas chlororaphis designated ATTC No. 55729. The polyurethanase-containing preparation may then be used directly to degrade polyurethane, particularly polyurethane and polyurethane-based coatings.