This article highlights the work of a team at IIT Roorkee in developing an enzyme to break down DEHP, a common plasticizer.
The problem: Plasticizers, particularly DEHP, are widely used in various products and are harmful to the environment.
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical that makes plastics more flexible.
It's a colorless, viscous liquid with little odor that's soluble in oil but not in water.
DEHP is also known by the names dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP)
Plasticizers are substances that are added to plastics and other polymers to make them more flexible, easier to shape, and less viscous
The solution: Researchers at IIT Roorkee have identified an esterase enzyme produced by Sulfobacillus acidophilus bacteria that can effectively degrade DEHP.
Mechanism of action: The enzyme breaks down DEHP into smaller compounds, which can then be further degraded by other enzymes into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.
Potential applications: This enzyme has the potential to be used in bioremediation techniques to clean up contaminated environments.
Future directions: The researchers are working on integrating multiple enzymes into a single bacterial system to accelerate the degradation process and improve its efficiency.
This research has significant implications for environmental remediation and the development of sustainable solutions to plastic pollution.
By utilizing naturally occurring enzymes, scientists can develop eco-friendly and cost-effective methods for breaking down harmful plasticizers and mitigating their environmental impact.
COMMENTS