Lipase‐Catalysed Polymerization of Eutectic Mixtures

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202374
• Publication Date: 2023-02-22T12:14:52Z
• Authors: David S. Freitas; Vânia Quesado; Diana Rocha; Jennifer Noro; Madalena Martins; Artur Cavaco‐Paulo; Carla Silva
• Keywords: Glycerol; Science & Technology; enzymatic catalysis; Polyesters; Lipase; 02 engineering and technology; polyesters; NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents); natural deep eutectic solvents; Catalysis; Polymerization; polymerization; lipase; Solvents; 0210 nano-technology

Abstract Aiming to reduce the toxicity and operational costs often associated chemical processes, enzymatic synthesis is applied herein as a sustainable route for producing polyesters. The use of NADES’ (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents) components source monomers polymers through lipase‐catalyzed esterification in an anhydrous medium detailed first time. Three NADES composed by glycerol organic base, or acid, were used produce polyesters, polymerization reactions catalyzed Aspergillus oryzae lipase. High polyester conversion rates (above 70 %), containing at least 20 monomeric units (glycerol:organic acid/base (1 : 1)), observed matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) analysis. monomers′ capacity polymerization, along with their non‐toxicity, cheap cost, simplicity production, sets up these solvents greener cleaner approach high value‐added products.