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Transformation of Biodegradable Polyesters into Cyclic Oligomers under Continuous Flow Using an Enzyme‐Packed Column
Author(s) -
Osanai Yasushi,
Toshima Kazunobu,
Matsumura Shuichi
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
macromolecular bioscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1616-5195
pISSN - 1616-5187
DOI - 10.1002/mabi.200400046
Subject(s) - polyester , candida antarctica , adipate , packed bed , lipase , chemistry , degradation (telecommunications) , flow chemistry , oligomer , polymer , column (typography) , chromatography , biodegradation , monolithic hplc column , column chromatography , immobilized enzyme , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , enzyme , catalysis , high performance liquid chromatography , telecommunications , structural engineering , connection (principal bundle) , computer science , engineering
Summary: The enzymatic degradation of typical chemically synthesized biodegradable plastics, such as poly(butylene adipate) and poly( ε ‐caprolactone), to a repolymerizable cyclic oligomer under continuous flow using an enzyme column was studied, directed towards green chemical recycling. It was confirmed that both polymers were quantitatively transformed into the corresponding cyclic oligomers by passage through the column packed with immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) at 40 °C using a toluene solution. Compared to the batch treatment in a flask, a short reaction time and a low reaction temperature occurred for complete transformations of the polyesters by continuous flow through the enzyme column. The degradation activity of the enzyme column was maintained for at least six months at 40 °C.Conceptual scheme of the continuous degradation equipment using the enzyme column.