Use of esterase enzyme in the decomposition of plasticizers
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have successfully used ‘esterase enzyme’ produced by soil bacteria Sulfobacillus acidophilus for the decomposition of Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP) plasticizer. Esterase enzyme catalyzes the decomposition of DEHP plasticizer by remaining active for about a month. This enzyme decomposes DEHP plasticizer into two by-products: Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate,2-ethyl hexanol