Esterase Enzyme

About Esterase Enzyme: 

• It is produced by soil bacteria Sulfobacillus acidophilus.
• The esterase enzyme was structurally characterised using X-ray crystallography. 
• It remains active for about a month and catalyzes the degradation of diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) plasticizer with significant efficiency.
• The enzyme breaks down the DEHP plasticizer into two products — mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and 2-ethyl hexanol.
• This esterase enzyme, along with other enzymes identified by their group previously can convert high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers into water and carbon-dioxide.
• Researchers used three other enzymes in sequence are from Comamonas testosteroni bacteria.
  • Putting all the five enzymes into bacteria will speed up the degradation process.
  • The enzymes, whether used for degradation or not, will remain active only for a short time. But once integrated into bacteria, the enzymes remain active for a longer time and the bacteria can be used continuously for degrading the plasticizers.
  • But when the enzymes are used without integrating into bacteria, a fresh batch of enzymes needs to be produced to continue the degradation process. 

What are Plasticizers?

• These are chemicals added to plastics and personal care products to enhance flexibility and shine, and are commonly found in items such as baby toys, shampoos, soaps, and food containers.
• Plasticizers can be absorbed through the skin, making them a direct threat to human health.

Q1: What chemical is used as a plasticizer?

Phthalates and adipates are the most commonly used plasticizers. Trimellitates are used in wire and cable and certain other applications where a relatively higher service temperature is required.

Source: TH

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