Two Types of Lipases in Hydrolysis of Polyester

Abstract

Using three kinds of polyesters, polycaprolactone-diol (I), poly(hexamethylene adipate) (II), and a copolyester of I and II, the effects of the molecular weight () of polyester on their enzymatic hydrolysis were examined. The degrees of hydrolysis of the copolyester by Rhizopus arrhizus and R. delemar lipases were much higher than those of the two homopolymers over a wide range of . On the other hand, the degrees of hydrolysis of the copolyester by Candida cylindracea and hog pancreas lipases and hog liver esterase were between, or near, those of the two homopolyesters. R. delemar lipase could hydrolyze the polyester moiety of polyurethane which hog pancreas lipase could not attack. However, no difference in the hydrolysis products between R. delemar and hog pancreas lipases could be detected. The effects of the melting points of polyesters on their hydrolysis by lipases are discussed.