Nanobiocatalyst from lipase non-covalently immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate

Abstract

This study explored Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) non-covalently immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the preparation of metal-free (co)polymers of ε-caprolactone (CL) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC). The novel catalytic/initiating system based on nanobiocatalyst and 1,5-pentanediol allows for the control over the molar mass (Mn) of the obtained homopolymers and copolymers. Mn of polymers, ranged from 5.0 to 50 kg/mol, was controlled by monomer to initiator ratio. Their microstructure was investigated by 13C NMR, while thermal properties by DSC. In addition, the recycling studies indicate that nanobiocatalyst can be used multiple times without loss in its activity. The application of non-toxic catalyst for the polymers preparation is of high importance for their industrial and biomedical applications. Therefore, our novel and versatile approach for the controlled synthesis of the CL and TMC (co)polymers for which the nanobiocatalyst can be used several times, enable to address the demand for the “metal-free (co)polymers”.