POS9-0096
Biochar as an Enzyme Carrier for Biodegradation Enhanced PLA: Catalytic Activity Preservation Through Melt Extrusion
When and Where
Nov 30, -0001
12:00am - 12:00am
Presenter(s)
Soyeong Lee (Kyung Hee University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) has long been criticized for its insufficient degradability under mild conditions. To address this limitation, considerable research has focused on embedding enzymes directly within the polymer matrix to enable intrinsic degradation. Preventing enzyme inactivation during high-temperature melt processing has emerged as a critical design challenge. In this study, sewage sludge derived biochar was employed as an enzyme immobilization support, realizing a thermally stable protective matrix that simultaneously enables waste valorization and accelerated PLA biodegradation. Electrostatic and covalent immobilization strategies were comparatively evaluated, with long-chain spacers incorporated to ensure substrate accessibility for Proteinase K. Comprehensive stability analysis confirmed that thermal denaturation was effectively suppressed and enzymatic activity was largely maintained. The resulting PLA composites demonstrated accelerated biodegradation, providing compelling evidence for the practical viability of an enzyme embedded, self degradation system.
