Esterase Enzyme

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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