Nonaqueous Catalysis: A Way Forward for the Intermediation of Phenolic Environmental Pollutant Bisphenol A

Abstract

Bisphenol A (4,4-propane-2,2-diyl) diphenol abbreviated as BPA is an important industrial chemical which is widely used to produce epoxy resin and polycarbonates. It evoked public interest in the last few years due to its toxic effects toward wildlife and human health. It is categorized as Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) and teratogen. Due to its aquaphobic nature, it is difficult to remediate BPA in aqueous system, thus nonaqueous catalysis is employed for the bioremediation. Catalysis in nonaqueous system using laccase enzymes offers certain advantages over aqueous system in case of BPA bioremediation, and those are increased activity, better stereo- and enantioselectivity, and increased thermo stability. Laccase encapsulated in reverse micelles has proven to be potential system for BPA removal, thus nonaqueous catalysis is a promising alternative for the intermediation of this hazardous micropollutant.