Enzymatically induced fragmentation of weathered polyolefin microparticles (C06*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Polymer Materials
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391977956

The project investigates within the CRC 1357 the enzymatic degradation of weathered polyolefin microparticles (POMP), compared to unweathered particles. It is expected that during the enzymatic degradation of POMP, bioavailable oligomers form, which could then be metabolized by microorganisms, and thus MP is degraded. Besides oxygenases, the enzyme selection mainly focuses on enzymes that generate radicals in the presence of other factors. In addition to peroxidases, which form radicals with the help of chemical mediators, modified light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) proteins will as well be used, which under blue light form singlet oxygen, other reactive oxygen species and radicals with high efficiency.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1357: MICROPLASTICS - Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bayreuth
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas Greiner; Professor Dr. Andreas Möglich