Simultaneous enzymatic ring opening polymerisation and RAFT-mediated polymerisation in supercritical CO2

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Block copolymers are versatile materials with applications in various fields.
• Traditional synthesis methods often rely on metal catalysts, raising environmental and purification concerns.
• Developing metal-free polymerization techniques is crucial for sustainable chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first simultaneous, metal-free synthesis of block copolymers.
• To combine enzymatic ring-opening polymerization with controlled radical polymerization.
• To explore a greener approach to block copolymer synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Enzymatic ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone.
• RAFT-mediated controlled radical polymerization of styrene.
• Simultaneous reaction conditions were optimized.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of metal-free block copolymers.
• Demonstrated compatibility between enzymatic and radical polymerization techniques.
• Achieved controlled polymer architecture.

Conclusions:

• This work establishes a novel, efficient, and metal-free route for block copolymer synthesis.
• The combined approach offers a sustainable alternative for producing advanced polymer materials.
• Opens new avenues for designing functional block copolymers without metal contamination.