Synthesis of biodegradable polymers using biocatalysis with Yarrowia lipolytica lipase

Yarrowia lipolytica lipase (YLL) was used as catalyst in the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone. This low-cost solid-state lipase produces low-molecular-weight polyesters with unique multiphase morphology as determined by carbon-13 NMR. YLL attaches sugar head groups to polycaprolactone in a one-pot biocatalytic pathway. Synthesis of α-ω-telechelic (polymer with two reactive hydroxyl end groups) PCL diols is achieved by enzymatic ROP with YLL immobilized on the macroporous resin Lewatit VPOC 1026, and in the presence of diethylene glycol or poly(ethylene glycol). Biodegradable linear polyester urethanes are prepared by polycondensation between synthesized PCL diols and hexamethylene-diisocyanate.