Surfactant-Free Peroxidase-Mediated Enzymatic Polymerization of a Biorenewable Butyrolactone Monomer via a Green Approach: Synthesis of Sustainable Biobased Latexes

Abstract

A green surfactant-free one-pot horseradish peroxidase-mediated enzymatic polymerization is successfully applied to produce a sustainable and thermally stable biobased high average molar mass poly(α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (PMBL) at ambient conditions in water for the first time. The initiation step required only very low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and 2,4-pentanedione water-soluble initiator to generate the keto-enoxy radicals responsible for forming the primary latex particles. The polymer nanoparticles can be seen as monodisperse, and the biobased latexes are colloidally stable and likely stabilized by the adsorption of 2,4-pentanedione moieties on the particle surfaces. Polymerizations in air produced a 98% yield of PMBL after only 3 h, highlighting the relevance of molecular oxygen. An array of characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1 H, 13 C, and HSQC two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) are used to confirm the properties of the synthesized latexes. The PMBL exhibited high thermal stability, with only a 5% weight loss at 340 °C and a glass-transition temperature of 200 °C, which is double that of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This research provides an interesting pathway for the synthesis of sustainable biobased latexes via enzymes in a green environment using just water at ambient conditions and the potential use of the polymer in high-temperature applications.

Regenerative Superhydrophobic Coatings for Enhanced Performance and Durability of High-Voltage Electrical Insulators in Cold Climates

“…FT-IR spectra of the SHP-REG coating were produced before any damage, after plasma deterioration leading to a loss of superhydrophobicity, and after superhydrophobicity regeneration (Figure 7). Peaks at 1259 cm −1 and 795 cm −1 represent Si-CH 3 and Si-C bonds in the coating, respectively, and the peak around 2950 cm −1 because of asymmetric CH 3 stretching in Si-CH 3 [45,46]. The CH 3 peak was evident in the developed sample before any plasma-related deterioration.…”

Advancements and Regulatory Situation in Microplastics Removal from Wastewater and Drinking Water: A Comprehensive Review

“…Plastics offer numerous advantages, including being lightweight, flexible, durable, adaptable, and affordable. These merits have led to widespread usage, contributing to a significant increase in global production and consumption [1][2][3]. Plastics are made up of smaller molecular units called monomers and different polymeric materials categorized by polymeric species such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).…”

“…Sodium chloride solution (1.2 g/cm 3 NaCl) has been the most preferred salt for density separation as it can achieve higher extraction for bulkier MPs [39]. Additionally, 1.5-1.8 g/cm 3 of brine ZnCl 2 and 1.6-1.8 g/cm 3 NaI solution can be used for the density separation [33,39,40]; moreover, oil-based separation and magnetic separation methods are used to extract MPs [41].…”