Abstract
Sequential biocatalytic process based on lipase catalysis has been developed for the decomposition of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET) as model molecule for polyterephthalic ester (PET) recycling. The sequential process comprised lipase enzyme: (i) hydrolysis of BHET and (ii) esterification of the resulted products (mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalic acid, MHET and terephthalic acid, TPA) using dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Screening of lipases for the BHET hydrolysis revealed Aspergillus niger lipase as a valuable biocatalyst. Further, the sequential biocatalytic process had been evaluated for different concentrations of lipase and DMC. 2% (v/v) DMC afforded an advanced biocatalytic conversion of BHET providing maximum 53 % TPA and 44 % mono-methyl terephthalic acid (MTP1) in the products mixture. Aromatic alcohols as o-cresol, thymol or carvacrol proved also the ability to degrade BHET to TPA and corresponding TPA esters based on sequential biocatalysis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
