Enzymatic polymerization catalyzed by surfactant-coated lipases in organic media

Abstract

Structural ring-opening of lactones driven by enzymatic polymerization has been performed using low concentration dosages of surfactant-coated lipases in organic media. By comparison, enzymatic polymerization rate with coated lipase proceeded at a rate 100-fold better than native powder. Similarly a higher polymeric molecular weight (21,300), narrow dispersity (Mw/Mn=1.9) and better conversion (100%) were obtained following polyesterification tests with surfactant-coated lipase.