GC-MS Analysis of Polyester Polyurethane Degradation Products Identifies Degradation and Enzymatic Pathways

Overview

Chemist, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission The rapid acceleration of plastic production and the accumulation of debris is a global crisis, as plastic takes over 400 years to degrade. This study examines the biodegradability of polyurethane (PUR), polypropylene (PP), high- density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by four endophytic fungi that all digest Impranil DLN (a soluble polyester polyurethane dispersion). The study identifies the byproducts of Impranil DLN digestion by all four fungi via Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and proposes potential degradation and enzymatic pathways. Halo assays were utilized to determine the efficacy of fungal digestion. Fungi were placed in liquid cultures containing minimal medium and Impranil DLN to visualize digestion and prepare samples for GC-MS. After 2 weeks, samples were extracted with 1-butanol and derivatized. GC-MS analysis examined the presence or absence of compounds after digestion compared to the control. The study identifies hydrolysis as a means of digestion. These findings highlight forward progress in finding fungi that can biodegrade plastics, but demonstrate significant limitations as many industrial plastics like Impranil DLN do not disclose formulas. These findings could be used to elucidate the formula of Impranil DLN and the previously unidentified enzymes in the four fungi.