POLY 446 |
| Enzymes, predominantly lipases, are surprisingly active for a wide range of polyester and polycarbonate synthetic reactions. As part of our search for novel enzyme-catalysts for polymer synthesis, studies have begun on members of the cutinase family. Cutinases are extra-cellular fungal enzymes whose natural function is hydrolysis of cutin ester bonds. Cutin is the lipid-polyester that constitutes the outer shiny surface that protects leafs of higher plants. The cutinase from Humicola insolens was studied for lactone ring-opening polymerization reactions. Humicola insolens cutinase, immobilized on Lewatit, showed optimal activity at 70°C and is able to catalyze a broad range of lactone ring-opening polymerizations. Polyesters in high yield and with Mn values up to 45 000 g/mol were prepared by conducting reactions both in-bulk and in toluene solutions. This discovery paves the way for deeper investigations into new uses of cutinases as catalysts for non-natural polymerization reactions. |
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Biocatalysis in Polymer Science
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster
Division of Polymer Chemistry |