Biocatalysis in the development of functional polymer-ceramic nanocomposites

Fluorescent silica/polymer nanocomposites have been synthesized by condensing tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) around fluorescent polymer strands of poly(2-naphthol). The polymer is biocatalytically synthesized via peroxidase catalyzed polymerization in micelles of the cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Silica condensation at the micelle-water interface results in encapsulation of the polymer. Fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescent light microscopy provide critical evidence that the polymer luminescence properties are conferred to the composite material. The fabrication of polymer entrapped in ordered, mesoporous materials represents a viable step toward the development of functional polymer-ceramic nanocomposites.