POLYMERS FROM BIOCATALYSTS

Recently, there has been great interest in enzyme-catalyzed polymer sy nthesis, particularly as an alternative to conventional polymer chemis try. Highly specific and stable biocatalysts can result in increased y ields and reduced capital requirements and production costs. Moreover, the use of biocatalysts can minimize the formation of unwanted byprod ucts and thus reduce separation cost. Enzymatic synthesis of polymer i s especially preferred when molecular regularity such as stereoselecti vity or regiospecificity is required. In this article, the use of enzy mes in polymer synthesis is discussed together with potential applicat ions.