Enzyme Catalyzed Small Molecule Reactions Inside Polymer Films

摘要

Stimuli responsive films and coatings represent the developmental frontiers for unique materials properties. One promising area within this category is that of bioactive coatings and films, which are systems characterized by the presence of an active enzyme, e.g., polyurethane foams containing diisopropylfluorophosphatase (DFPase), coatings with organophosphorous hydrolase (OPH), and vinyl polymers containing α-chemotrypsin. The cursory systems have focused on chemical and biological warfare agent deactivation (detoxifying materials), whereas novel future systems are being studied that will auto-degrade in response to environmental triggers (self-degrading materials), generate new covalent bonds (self-healing materials), repel microorganisms (antimicrobial materials), or biotransform chemical groups within polymeric materials. A fundamental understanding of polymer features that affect biomolecule activity is critical to understand optimal bioactivity and prediction of material responses.