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Aerobic radical polymerization mediated by microbial metabolism
Gang Fan1,2, Austin J Graham1,2, Jayaker Kolli1
1McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Nature Chemistry
|May 20, 2020
Summary
Shewanella oneidensis bacteria enable living radical polymerizations in the presence of oxygen by consuming it and directing electron flow to metal catalysts. This method offers a novel approach for polymer synthesis under ambient conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Radical polymerization is challenging under ambient conditions due to oxygen's radical-quenching properties.
- Developing aerobic polymerization methods is crucial for simplifying synthetic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the use of Shewanella oneidensis for controlling metal-catalyzed living radical polymerizations under aerobic conditions.
- To investigate the mechanism of oxygen consumption and electron transfer by S. oneidensis in polymerization.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis) to manage oxygen levels during polymerization.
- Employing metal catalysts at low concentrations (ppm) for living radical polymerization.
- Investigating the role of S. oneidensis' extracellular electron transfer proteins.
Main Results:
- S. oneidensis enabled living radical polymerizations in both open and closed containers without prior oxygen removal.
- Polymerization activity correlated with S. oneidensis' anaerobic metabolism and extracellular electron transfer.
- The process was effective for various monomers and robust against repeated oxygen exposure, using recycled cells.
Conclusions:
- Shewanella oneidensis can overcome oxygen inhibition in radical polymerization by utilizing aerobic respiration and extracellular electron transfer.
- This biological approach provides a sustainable and efficient method for polymer synthesis under ambient, aerobic conditions.
- The findings highlight the potential of microbial systems in advanced material synthesis.
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