Enzymatic Degradation of PLA: Preferential Degradation of the Amorphous Fraction.

ABSTRACT: Polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used biobased biopolymer, is highly resistant to biodegradation under ambient conditions, contributing to persistent plastic pollution and posing potential environmental and health risks. This study investigates the enzymatic degradation of PLA by Proteinase K, a proteolytic hydrolase enzyme with the ability to degrade PLA, and explores the underlying mechanisms for degradation. Both amorphous and semi-crystalline PLA were treated with Proteinase K (2 mg/mL) at 37 °C over varying time periods. PLA degradation was evaluated using multiple techniques, including weight loss measurement, pH reduction, quantification of lactic acid monomer release by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), surface morphology analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy (S

SUBMITTER: Shrestha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12655971 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature