Evaluation of the biodegradability of polyurethane and its derivatives by using lipase-displaying arming yeast.

Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) has been used to polymerize and degrade polyesters. We developed a convenient method for investigating the biodegradability of plastics that involves the use of CALB-displaying "arming yeast." Polyurethane containing dulcitol units was prepared and used as the model material. Additionally, standard polyurethane with no dulcitol units was prepared by reacting 2,4-toluene diisocyanate with ethylene glycol. These polymers were incubated with CALB-displaying yeast cells. The polyurethane containing dulcitol was degraded, while the standard polyurethane was relatively unaffected. Arming yeast displaying appropriate enzymes can be used to investigate the biodegradability of synthetic plastics. It was also revealed that arming yeasts were applicable to evaluate the degradation of the film state of polyurethane.