Biochemists find single enzyme that can mediate three steps in the chemical process from glucose to PEF

Glucose can be turned into PEF, a green alternative for PET bottles. Biochemists from the University of Groningen (RUG) in the Netherlands have described a single enzyme that can mediate no fewer than three steps in the chemical process from glucose to PEF. The enzyme could potentially oxidize a compound called HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural), which explains why it is called HMFO (HMF Oxide).
Glucose is partially converted into HMF when it’s heated. HMF can be oxidized into FDCA, a compound that forms the building blocks of the polymer PEF, a bioplastic. PEF has similar properties to PET, the plastic that plastic bottles and fleeces are made of (News Item RUG, 20 May 2014).
Click here for the news item (click on the English flag).

This item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411.