Enzymatic conversion of bio-based compounds

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the world's most widely used polymers, is obtained by condensation of terephthalic acid (TPA), a dicarboxylic acid, and ethylene glycol, two compounds derived from fossil resources. In a global context of substitution of petroleum-based compounds by biomass-derived molecules, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is proposed as a bio-based substitute for TPA due to its structural analogy (carboxylic diacid). Derived from xylose, the structural monomer of xylan, FDCA can also be used as an intermediate for the synthesis of other polymers such as polyamides, other polyesters and polyurethanes, as well as small molecules such as succinic acid and adipic acid [1].