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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
10:22
Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Lipase-catalyzed polyester synthesis--a green polymer chemistry
1R & D Center for Biobased Materials, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. kobayash@kit.ac.jp
Summary
This review covers lipase-catalyzed polyester synthesis, a green chemistry approach. Lipase enzymes enable efficient and selective polyester production through ring-opening or condensation polymerization.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biocatalysis
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Polyesters are synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) or condensation polymerization.
- Lipase enzymes catalyze ester bond formation, reversing their natural hydrolysis function.
- Lipase-catalyzed polymerization offers high selectivity and desirable characteristics for green polymer chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vitro polyester synthesis using lipase catalysis.
- To highlight the advantages and mechanisms of lipase-catalyzed polyesterification.
- To emphasize the green nature of these polymerization methods.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic catalysis using lipases for polyester synthesis.
- Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters.
- Condensation polymerization involving carboxylic acids/esters and alcohols.
Main Results:
- Lipase-catalyzed polymerizations demonstrate high chemo-, regio-, and enantio-selectivities.
- Lipases are robust and compatible with other catalysts, enabling chemoenzymatic processes.
- Novel functional polyesters can be synthesized, with plausible reaction mechanisms discussed.
Conclusions:
- Lipase-catalyzed polyester synthesis is a sustainable and green approach.
- These methods align with the growing demand for environmentally friendly polymer chemistry.
- The use of lipases offers significant advantages for polyester production.
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