PolyPEGA with predetermined molecular weights from enzyme-mediated radical polymerization in water

摘要

The preparation of acrylic polymers with predetermined molecular weights using metalloenzymes as catalysts, ascorbic acid as reducing agent and alkyl halides as initiators is reported. The mechanism of polymerization resembles an ARGET ATRP process. Biocatalysis has become a valuable tool in polymer chemistry providing a mild and sustainable route to polyesters, polyamides, polypeptides, polysaccharides, various π-conjugated polymers and polyolefins.1-4 Due to the enormous industrial importance of the latter class of polymers as well as increasing appreciation of environmental issues, the enzyme-mediated polymerization of vinyl monomers is particularly intriguing. Independent studies have shown that metalloproteases such as horseradish peroxidases (HRP) and laccases, with or without the presence of p-diketones and H2O2, can form redox initiation systems