Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) degradation by Yarrowia lipolytica: Investigations on cell growth, enzyme production and monomers consumption. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: da Costa, Andressa Maio; de Oliveira Lopes, Verônica Regina; Vidal, Léa; Nicaud, Jean-Marc; de Castro, Aline Machado; Coelho, Maria Alice Zarur
• Is Part Of: Process biochemistry. Volume 95(2020)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Biocatalysis -- Depolymerization -- Lipase -- PET recycling -- Poly(ethylene terephthalate) -- Yarrowia lipolytica; Biochemical engineering -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- periodicals; Biotechnology -- periodicals; Chemical Engineering -- periodicals; Génie biochimique -- Périodiques; Biotechnologie -- Périodiques; Biochemical engineering; Biotechnology; Periodicals; 660.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-5113

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Yarrowia lipolytica enzymatically hydrolyzes poly(ethylene terephthalate). Poly(ethylene terephthalate) monomers may act as inducers in the process of lipase production. Microbiological degradation needs to be further studied to become competitive. Mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate was the main intermediate released. Enzymatic depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) is a promising alternative. Abstract: The development of technologies for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) depolymerization, such as biocatalysis, has been pointed as a very promising alternative to chemical hydrolysis processes. This work aims to understand the behavior of Yarrowia lipolytica, a robust yeast for diverse applications, in the presence of molecules from the PET production chain such as monoethylene glycol (MEG), terephthalic acid (TPA), bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), PET oligomers, amorphous PET and post-consumer PET. The yeast was cultivated in rich media with and without glucose addition, in order to compare monomers release or consumption. TPA and MEG were consumed more intensely in the absence of glucose. The addition of the diester BHET yielded a 3-fold increased lipase production both at 160 rpm (118 U/L) and 250 rpm (385 U/L). In addition, 250 rpm agitation also provided a higher consumption of TPA (26% increase). The mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) was the main intermediate released during polymer hydrolysis, followed by TPA and BHET. Thus, the use of Yarrowia lipolytica, which is capable of catalyzing the PET hydrolysis is of great potential to reduce the environmental impacts caused by unappropriated disposal of packages.