Biodegradation study on poly(ε-caprolactone) with bimodal molecular weight distribution

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 127; no. 6; pp. 4726 - 4735
• Main Authors: Hermanová, Soňa, Bálková, Radka, Voběrková, Stanislava, Chamradová, Ivana, Omelková, Jiřina, Richtera, Lukáš, Mravcová, Ludmila, Jančář, Josef
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.03.2013; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Aspergillus oryzae; Bacillus subtilis; bimodal molecular weight distribution; Chemical reactions and properties; crystallinity; Degradation; Exact sciences and technology; lipase; Materials science; morphology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polycaprolactone; Polymers; Biological properties; Bacillus subtilis; Biodegradability; lipase; Triacylglycerol lipase; Esterases; degradation; bimodal molecular weight distribution; Bacillaceae; Lactone polymer; Fungi; Bacillales; Aliphatic polymer; Reaction mechanism; Bacteria; Fungi Imperfecti; Polycaprolactone; Enzyme; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Carboxylic ester hydrolases; Aspergillus oryzae; Morphology; Enzymatic digestion; Hydrolases
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.38078

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) of bimodal molecular weight distribution was exposed to the action of enzymes‐lipases from Aspergillus oryzae in phosphate buffer at pH 7 and 37°C, and those produced in situ by Bacillus subtilis in nutrient medium at 30°C for 42 days. The occurrence of biodegradation is proved on the basis of the weight loss, decrease of molecular weight, carbonyl index, crystallinity, and development of cracks on the PCL surfaces. In the case of Bacillus subtilis, the degradation (10 wt % loss of PCL) proceeds faster in comparison with lipase from Aspergillus oryzae (2.6 wt % loss of PCL), where the degradation process seems to stop during 14 days of experiment. The gel permeation chromatography results reveal that preferential degradation of lower molecular portion did not occur but it is assumed that PCL chains were cleaved in accordance with particular degradation mechanism that depends significantly on biological agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013