Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
08:34
OaAEP1-Mediated Enzymatic Synthesis and Immobilization of Polymerized Protein for Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Published on: February 5, 2020
7.1K
Sugar-Based Polyesters: From Glux-Diol Synthesis to Its Enzymatic Polymerization
Federico Acciaretti1, Andrea Pasquale2, Giacomo Lombardo2
1Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano I-20126, Italy.
ACS Omega
|January 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers synthesized a novel sugar-based monomer, glux-diol, and polymerized it into biobased polyesters using enzymatic catalysis. These sustainable materials show excellent thermal stability, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastics.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Biocatalysis
Background:
- Developing sustainable polymers from renewable resources is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
- Sugar derivatives offer a promising platform for creating novel biobased materials.
- Efficient synthesis and purification of monomers are key challenges in biobased polymer production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the synthesis of 2,4:3,5-di-O-methylene-d-glucitol (glux-diol) from d-glucono-1,5-lactone.
- To explore the biocatalytic polymerization of glux-diol with various diesters to produce biobased polyesters.
- To characterize the properties, particularly thermal stability, of the resulting polyesters.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of glux-diol involving protection with paraformaldehyde, Fischer esterification, and LiAlH4 reduction.
- Development of a new purification method to remove inorganic salt byproducts.
- Enzymatic copolymerization using Candida antarctica lipase B in a green solvent (Cygnet 2.0).
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized and purified glux-diol, a bicyclic acetal derivative of d-glucose.
- Produced biobased polyesters with number-average molecular weights (Mn) ranging from 900 to 2200 g mol-1.
- Achieved high thermal stabilities for the polyesters, between 391 °C and 419 °C.
Conclusions:
- The integrated approach of sugar functionalization and biocatalysis provides an efficient route to novel biobased polyesters.
- The synthesized polyesters exhibit excellent thermal properties, making them suitable for various applications.
- This work presents a sustainable pathway for producing high-performance polymers from renewable resources.
Related Concept Videos
02:02Phloem and Sugar Transport
39.9K
Like many living organisms, plants have tissues that specialize in specific plant functions. For example, shoots are well adapted to rapid growth, while roots are structured to acquire resources efficiently. However, sugar production is primarily restricted to the photosynthetic cells that reside in the leaves of angiosperm plants. Sugar and other resources are transported from photosynthetic tissues to other specialized tissues by a process called translocation.
39.9K
01:15Dehydration Synthesis
149.2K
Overview
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
149.2K
01:57Preparation of Diols and Pinacol Rearrangement
4.2K
Compounds bearing two hydroxyl groups are known as diols. When the hydroxyl groups are located on adjacent carbon atoms, the diols are called vicinal diols or glycols. Under acidic conditions, vicinal diols undergo a specific reaction called pinacol rearrangement.
The reaction begins with transferring a proton from the acid catalyst to one of the hydroxyl groups, producing an oxonium ion.
The reaction begins with transferring a proton from the acid catalyst to one of the hydroxyl groups, producing an oxonium ion.
4.2K
01:10Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
9.8K
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
9.8K
01:20Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
2.5K
The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
2.5K
02:53Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
14.7K
Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
14.7K