Enzymatic Modification of Cellulose To Unlock Its Exploitation in Advanced Materials. (10th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinelli, Andrea; Giannini, Luca; Branduardi, Paola
• Is Part Of: Chembiochem. Volume 22:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 974
• Page End: 981
• Publication Date: 2020-11-10
• Subjects: cellulose -- enzyme catalysis -- green chemistry -- innovative materials -- sustainability; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000643
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4227

Abstract

Abstract: Nowadays natural biopolymers have a wide variety of uses in various industrial applications, such as food, adhesives and composite materials. Among them, cellulose has attracted the interest of researchers due to its properties: high strength and flexibility, biocompatibility and nontoxicity. Despite that, in many cases its practical use is limited because of poor solubility and/or an unsuitable hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. In this context, enzymatic modification appears as a powerful strategy to overcome these problems through selective, green and environmentally friendly processes. This minireview discusses the different methods developed for the enzymatic modification of cellulose, emphasizing the type of reaction, the enzymes used (laccases, esterases, lipases, hexokinases, etc.), and the properties and applications of the cellulose derivatives obtained. Considering that cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer on Earth and can be derived from residual lignocellulosic biomass, the impact of its use in bio‐based process following the logic of the circular economy is relevant. Abstract : Promising new biomaterials : Cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer, is of great interest for industrial use, due to its low cost, chemical stability, mechanical properties and recyclability. The application of different enzyme‐based processes to modify cellulose are reviewed here. The type of reaction, the mediators, substrates and enzymes used and the properties of cellulose derivatives are discussed in detail.