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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
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Repurposing Biocatalysts to Control Radical Polymerizations.
Kyle J Rodriguez1, Bernadetta Gajewska1, Jonas Pollard1
1Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 28, 2022
Summary
Biocatalysts like enzymes can now control advanced polymerizations, enabling greener synthesis of precision polymers and functional nanomaterials. This review covers biocatalytic controlled radical polymerizations (bioCRP) for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biocatalysis
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Enzymes and biomolecules have historically initiated free radical polymerizations.
- Recent advances demonstrate biocatalysts' ability to control reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review biocatalytic controlled radical polymerizations (bioCRP).
- To discuss the potential of bioCRP for environmentally friendly polymer synthesis and advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization (bioATRP).
- Review of enzyme-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (bioRAFT).
- Review of biocatalytic organometallic-mediated radical polymerization (bioOMRP) and biocatalytic reversible complexation mediated polymerization (bioRCMP).
Main Results:
- Biocatalysts offer a sustainable approach to controlled polymerization.
- BioCRP methods enable the synthesis of precision polymers with defined architectures.
- These methods are applicable to creating functional nanostructures and surface modifications.
Conclusions:
- Biocatalytic controlled radical polymerizations represent a significant advancement in sustainable polymer synthesis.
- BioCRP holds substantial promise for applications in nanotechnology, surface science, and biosensing.
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