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EC number: 235-747-3 | CAS number: 12650-88-3
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Additional information
All enzyme classes are readily biodegradable. Degradation products are primarily peptides and amino acids, then carbon dioxide and water which cause no harm to environment.
The general degradation pathway of proteins is a stepwise process starting with the splitting of peptide bonds in the protein polymer by proteolytic enzymes (proteases) forming lower-molecular oligopeptides, which are subsequently degraded by peptidases to the monomeric amino acids. Physical effects like heating, dilution, mixing of solutions with air, etc. lead to denaturation, i.e. loss of activity and changes of the three-dimensional structure, which facilitates this proteolytical degradation process [1].
Literature data available on other enzymes confirm that this type of substances are readily biodegradable:
Lipase
- OECD 301 E; 99% DOC remove. Ready biodegradable [1 -2]
Cellulase
- OECD 301 E, 84% DOC removal. Ready biodegradable [1 -2]
- OECD 301 C, 78% BOD/COD. [1 -3]
Amylase
- OECD 301 E, 99% DOC removal [1 -2]
- OECD 301 E, 99% DOC removal [1 -2]
Subtilisin
- Studies available on biodegradation showed that there is no significant difference in the biodegradation rate and extent between wild type Subtilisins and protein engineered variants. This is in line with the general understanding of the common structure and properties of proteins irrespective of their specific activity pattern and their origin. Consequently, the exposure assessment of Subtilisins does not need to differentiate between wild type and protein engineered enzyme. [4]
Reference
[1] HERA Human and environmental risk assessment on ingredients of household cleaning products - alpha-amylases, cellulases and lipases. 2005.
[2] Bergman A, Bak J, Stavnsbjerg M (1997). Environmental fate of detergent enzymes. In: International Symposium Environmental Biotechnology. Oostende, Belgium. Part 2, 303-305. Edited by H. Verachtert & W. Verstraete. ISBN 90-5204-031-1
[3] Greenough RJ, Everett DJ (1991) Safety evaluation of alkaline cellulase. Food and Chemical Toxicology 29: 781-785.
[4] HERA Human and environmental risk assessment on ingredients of household cleaning products - Subtilisins (Proteases). Edition 2.0. 2007.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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