In‐Situ Product Removal for the Enzymatic Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) via a Membrane Reactor

Ayafor, Christian; Chang, Allen C.; Patel, Akanksha; Abid, Umer; Xie, Dongming; Sobkowicz, Margaret J.; Wong, Hsi‐Wu

doi:10.1002/cssc.202400698

Title: In‐Situ Product Removal for the Enzymatic Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) via a Membrane Reactor

Journal Article · 06 November 2024 · ChemSusChem

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202400698 · OSTI ID:2476274

Ayafor, Christian ^[1]; Chang, Allen C. ^[2]; Patel, Akanksha ^[2]; Abid, Umer ^[3]; Xie, Dongming ^[3]; Sobkowicz, Margaret J. ^[2];

^[3]

Energy Engineering Program University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell MA-01854 USA
Department of Plastics Engineering University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell MA-01854 USA
Department of Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell MA-01854 USA

Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a common single‐use plastic and a major contributor to plastic waste. PET upcycling through enzymatic depolymerization has drawn significant interests, but lack of robust enzymes in acidic environments remains a challenge. This study investigates in‐situ product removal (ISPR) of protons and monomers from enzymatic PET depolymerization via a membrane reactor, focusing on the ICCG variant of leaf branch compost cutinase. More than two‐fold improvements in overall PET depolymerization and terephthalic acid yields were achieved employing ISPR for an initial PET loading of 10 mg _PET ml _buffer ⁻¹ . The benefit of ISPR was reduced for a lower initial loading of 1 mg _PET ml _buffer ⁻¹ due to decreased need for pH stabilization of the enzyme‐containing solutions. A back‐of‐envelop analysis suggests that at a modest dilution ratio, ISPR could help achieve savings on caustic base solutions used for pH control in a bioreactor. Our study provides valuable insights for future ISPR developments for enzymatic PET depolymerization, addressing the pressing need for more sustainable solutions towards plastic recycling and environmental conservation.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: NONE; EE0008930

OSTI ID:: 2476274

Journal Information:: ChemSusChem, Journal Name: ChemSusChem Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 18; ISSN 1864-5631

Publisher:: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: Germany

Language:: English

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