Microorganisms Decomposing Thermoplastic Polyurethane Urethane Bonds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoplastic polyurethane is difficult to decompose using existing methods, leading to environmental issues such as marine pollution, as it is not recyclable and decomposes slowly due to its stable cross-linked structure.

Innovation Solution

Microorganisms from the genus Pseudomonas and Sinomonas, specifically strains like Pseudomonas hibiscicola MS4102 and Sinomonas atrocyanea ES2231, are used to decompose thermoplastic polyurethane by acting on it, and a method involving burying mixed samples in soil to select effective microorganisms is employed, allowing for urethane bond decomposition confirmation through infrared spectroscopy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional microorganisms (e.g., Streptomyces) are used to decompose polyurethane, then soft polyurethane can be effectively decomposed, but thermoplastic polyurethane with cross-linked structure cannot be decomposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecomposition efficiencyVSAvoid适用范围

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the biological parameter by introducing novel microorganism strains (Pseudomonas sp. strain 1 and Sinomonas sp. strain 2) with different enzymatic properties compared to conventional Streptomyces. These strains possess unique urethane-decomposing capabilities that can penetrate and break down the cross-linked structure of thermoplastic polyurethane, thereby expanding the适用范围 while maintaining high decomposition efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polyurethane structure is modified to improve resistance to hydrolysis and microorganisms, then durability is improved, but decomposability by microorganisms is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddecomposition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a biological intermediary (novel microorganism strains with specific enzymes) that mediates between the durable cross-linked polyurethane structure and decomposition. These microorganisms produce specialized enzymes that can selectively break down the urethane bonds in cross-linked structures without being inhibited by the modified polymer structure, thus enabling decomposition of previously resistant materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If thermoplastic polyurethane is disposed of in landfills, then waste management is simplified, but environmental pollution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste management simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful persistent waste (thermoplastic polyurethane in landfills) into a beneficial process by using novel microorganisms to decompose it. The previously harmful cross-linked structure that resisted degradation is now targeted by specialized enzymatic systems, transforming the waste management approach from simple disposal to active biodegradation, thereby eliminating environmental pollution while managing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The selected microorganisms effectively decompose thermoplastic polyurethane, reducing its weight and forming micropores, facilitating recycling and reducing environmental pollution by breaking down the stable urethane bonds, thus addressing the challenge of recycling thermoplastic polyurethane.

Implementation Method 1

studies on using polyurethane as a recycling material by exploiting decomposition action of microorganism, which is environmentally friendly, and biodegradation of polyurethane are underway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

confirming the urethane decomposition by infrared spectroscopic analysis of the buried mixed sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS20230313123A1Microorganisms capable of decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane, method for decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane, and method for selecting microorganisms capable of decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 NIHON PLAST CO LTD

AI summary

Microorganisms capable of effectively decompose hardly decomposable thermoplastic polyurethane, a method for decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane, and a method for selecting microorganisms capable of decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane are provided.The method for selecting microorganisms capable of decomposing thermoplastic polyurethane includes a step of burying in soil a mixed sample of thermoplastic polyurethane having urea bond and polyurethane without urea bond and a step of collecting the microorganism adsorbing to the mixed sample after confirming the urethane decomposition by infrared spectroscopic analysis of the buried mixed sample.