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Esterase Enzyme

12-01-2025

12:32 PM

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1 min read
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Overview:

A team of researchers has successfully used an enzyme — esterase enzyme —to break down diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) plasticizer.

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