Role of PEG on the formation of polyphenols with laccase enzymes

Abstract

Laccase catalyzes the polymerization of phenolic compounds in the presence of Laccase catalyzes the polymerization of phenolic compounds in the presence of oxygen. It is known that polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhances transformation of the phenols. oxygen. It is known that polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhances transformation of the phenols. High conversation rates and high yields are obtained in presence of PEG. PEG is believed to High conversation rates and high yields are obtained in presence of PEG. PEG is believed to protect the enzyme of being entrapped inside the formed polymer. However the mechanisms protect the enzyme of being entrapped inside the formed polymer. However the mechanisms by what the PEG enhances the reaction are not completely clear. The structure and by what the PEG enhances the reaction are not completely clear. The structure and aggregation of the polyphenols are different when obtained in the presence of PEG. PEG aggregation of the polyphenols are different when obtained in the presence of PEG. PEG seems to play an important role as interfacial agent on the region selectivity in the seems to play an important role as interfacial agent on the region selectivity in the polymerization reaction catalyzed by laccase enzymes.