Cytochrome C catalyzed oxygen tolerant atom-transfer radical polymerization

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biocatalysis
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is crucial for controlled polymer synthesis but typically uses toxic heavy metal catalysts and requires anoxic conditions.
• The susceptibility of ATRP to molecular oxygen and the use of hazardous catalysts present significant challenges for practical applications and biocompatible settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore cytochrome C as an efficient biocatalyst for atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under ambient and biocompatible conditions.
• To investigate the potential of cytochrome C to overcome the limitations of traditional ATRP, specifically oxygen sensitivity and reliance on toxic metal catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cytochrome C as a biocatalyst for atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
• Performed ATRP under aerobic conditions with a high dissolved oxygen level.
• Analyzed the catalytic center and radical species involved in the polymerization process.

Main Results:

• Cytochrome C catalyzed ATRP achieved a low polymer dispersity index of 1.19, indicating good control over polymer synthesis.
• The cytochrome C-catalyzed ATRP demonstrated superior oxygen resistance, functioning effectively under aerobic conditions.
• Fe(II) within cytochrome C was identified as the likely catalytic center, with methyl radical mediating the ATRP catalysis.

Conclusions:

• Cytochrome C serves as an efficient and biocompatible catalyst for aerobic atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
• This biocatalytic approach offers a promising alternative to traditional ATRP, addressing issues of oxygen sensitivity and toxic metal catalysts.
• The findings open new avenues for the practical application of ATRP and the utilization of cytochrome C in polymer science.