Abstract.
Initiation of copolymerization of lignin-like phenolic and acrylic compounds by the phenoloxidase laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) and a peroxide species (t-butylhydroperoxide, t-BHP) was compared to a Fenton-like system (ferrous ion, t-BHP). Initially, the relative activity of laccase towards different phenolic compounds and the optimum pH of some characteristic phenolics were determined. The polymer yield and the average molecular weight \(\left( {\bar M_w } \right)\) of chemo-enzymatically produced polymers were dependent both on the type of each phenolic tested and on the phenol/monomer ratio. Furthermore, the success of copolymerization of the phenolics was dependent both on their redox potential and on the type of acrylic monomer applied. The extent of phenol incorporation into the polymer chain was enhanced by the presence of laccase in the reaction mixture and was significantly higher than in polymerization initiated by a Fenton-like reaction.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received revision: 14 August 2000
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mai, C., Schormann, W. & Hüttermann, A. Chemo-enzymatically induced copolymerization of phenolics with acrylate compounds. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 55, 177–186 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530000514
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530000514