Chemo-enzymatically induced copolymerization of phenolics with acrylate compounds

Initiation of copolymerization of lignin-like phenolic and acrylic compound s by the phenoloxidase laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) and a peroxide species (t-buty lhydroperoxide, t-BHP) was compared to a Fenton-like system (ferrous ion, t -BHP). Initially, the relative activity of laccase towards different phenol ic compounds and the optimum pH of some characteristic phenolics were deter mined. The polymer yield and the average molecular weight ((M) over bar (w) ) of chemo-enzymatically produced polymers were dependent both on the type of each phenolic tested and on the phenol/monomer ratio. Furthermore, the s uccess of copolymerization of the phenolics was dependent both on their red ox potential and on the type of acrylic monomer applied. The extent of phen ol incorporation into the polymer chain was enhanced by the presence of lac case in the reaction mixture and was significantly higher than in polymeriz ation initiated by a Fenton-like reaction.