It finds its application in improving enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw and in the enzymatic in situ saccharification of cellulose in aqueous-ionic liquid media.
1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([C2mim][(C2)2OPO3]) has high biomass solubilization ability due to hydrogen bond basicity and the potential role of cation to rupture the bacterial cell wall. Specifically， one [(C2)2OPO3] anion can interact with two hydroxyl groups of cellulose, which further supports its ability to dissolve biopolymers having OH functionality. Moreover, the cationic imidazolium part of ([C2mim][(C2)2OPO3]) has been shown to interact with negatively charged phospholipid membrane via strong electrostatic interaction to rupture the bacterial membrane[1].
1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate is a low melting, imidazolium-based ionic liquid, which can dissolve cellulose. The solution of cellulose in EMIM DEP-pyridine mixture is stable in time.
[1] Dubey S, et al. 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Diethylphosphate Based Extraction of Bioplastic “Polyhydroxyalkanoates” from Bacteria: Green and Sustainable Approach. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2017; 6: 766–773.
