Work

Reliable methodology to determine biotransformation of PBAT in anaerobic conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Biodegradable plastics can enhance food waste utilization in anaerobic digestion (AD) units, but their fate under thermophilic conditions remains unclear. Previous studies using methane production, calorimetry, or spectroscopic analyses often report inconsistent results. This study tracks the biotransformation of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) in thermophilic AD (55 °C) using 1 H NMR to quantify monomers . While 1,4-butanediol degraded quickly, adipic (AA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) accumulated over time. Monomer analysis estimated PBAT biotransformation at 11.1 ± 1.9 % (TPA) and 10.1 ± 2.3 % (AA). The core microbial community remained stable, indicating intrinsic hydrolytic capacities, which were stable despite TPA and AA accumulation. This workflow provides a robust methodology to evaluate the biotransformation of plastics.

Source: Bioresource Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132242

Authors: Alba Trueba-Santiso, Reinhard Wimmer, Mathias Eskildsen, Juan Cubero-Cardoso, Juan M. Lema, Jeppe Lund Nielsen

Institutions: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Aalborg University

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880