Sono-enzymatic polymerization of catechol

Abstract

[Excerpt] The potential of laccase enzymes for polymerizing, crosslinking and functionalizing various compounds was studied extensively and increasing interest has been focused on the application ofthis enzyme as a new biocatalyst in organic synthesis.[1-6]Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are a class of multi-copper-containing oxidoreductase enzymes able to catalyze the transformation of various aromatic compounds, specifically phenols and anilines, through the formation of a free cation radical after the transfer of a single electron to laccase. The radical can further react on non-enzymatic oxidation polymerizing various halogen, alkyl-, alkoxy-substituted anilines and phenols.[7-8] The phenolic derivatives resulting in the production of polymeric aggregates are usually less soluble and much stable than their parent compounds.[9,10] Unfortunately the relatively short catalytic lifetime of the laccases in the polymerization processes and the mass transfer limitations, restrict their applications. This effect can be attributed to the inactivation of the enzyme active site due to phenoxy radicals and polymers produced during enzyme treatment.[11] [...]