Hydrolysis of Cutin by PET‐Hydrolases

Abstract

Abstract Functionalisation of synthetic polymers by using enzymes has been recently demonstrated. The major advantage of enzymes over chemical processes lies in their surface specific and endo‐wise mode of action. Surface hydrophilisation of PET with lipases and cutinases leads to a dramatic increase of the surfacial acid and hydroxyl group content while conventional chemical treatment does not cause any change. However, this PET‐hydrolysing activity by enzymes from distinct classes has not yet been correlated to activity on natural polyesters. Here, we show that lipases, cutinases and a PHA‐depolymerase are all capable of hydrolysing PET, while only lipases and cutinases also hydrolysed cutin to various degrees. Lipases showed a higher specificity for terminal fatty acids while the cutinases preferred hydroxy fatty acids during cutin hydrolysis.