Biodegradation of poly(L-lactide).
The biodegradation of poly(L-lactide) (PLA) is reviewed. The important role of actinomycetes in PLA degradation is emphasized. These PLA-degrading actinomycetes belong phylogenetically to the Pseudonocardiaceae family and related genera, including Amycolatopsis, Lentzea, Streptoalloteichus, Kibdelosporangium and Saccharothrix. A PLA-degrading enzyme purified from an isolated Amycolatopsis strain-41 has substrate specificity on PLA higher than proteinase K. The application of these strains and their enzymes can be effectively used for biological treatment of plastic wastes containing PLA.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. y.tokiwa@aist.go.jp
Yutaka
Y
Tokiwa
Amnat
A
Jarerat
D039903:Actinobacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D019286:Endopeptidase K / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013045:Species Specificity; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods*
D007220:Industrial Waste; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D019286:Endopeptidase K