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Enzyme‐catalysed polymer cross‐linking: Biocatalytic tools for chemical biology, materials science and beyond
Author(s) -
Maddock Rosie M. A.,
Pollard Gregory J.,
Moreau Nicolette G.,
Perry Justin J.,
Race Paul R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
biopolymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1097-0282
pISSN - 0006-3525
DOI - 10.1002/bip.23390
Subject(s) - chemistry , covalent bond , polymer , nanotechnology , macromolecule , biocatalysis , polymer science , combinatorial chemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis , materials science , reaction mechanism , biochemistry
Intermolecular cross‐linking is one of the most important techniques that can be used to fundamentally alter the material properties of a polymer. The introduction of covalent bonds between individual polymer chains creates 3D macromolecular assemblies with enhanced mechanical properties and greater chemical or thermal tolerances. In contrast to many chemical cross‐linking reactions, which are the basis of thermoset plastics, enzyme catalysed processes offer a complimentary paradigm for the assembly of cross‐linked polymer networks through their predictability and high levels of control. Additionally, enzyme catalysed reactions offer an inherently ‘greener’ and more biocompatible approach to covalent bond formation, which could include the use of aqueous solvents, ambient temperatures, and heavy metal‐free reagents. Here, we review recent progress in the development of biocatalytic methods for polymer cross‐linking, with a specific focus on the most promising candidate enzyme classes and their underlying catalytic mechanisms. We also provide exemplars of the use of enzyme catalysed cross‐linking reactions in industrially relevant applications, noting the limitations of these approaches and outlining strategies to mitigate reported deficiencies.