Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is described to enhance laccase polymerization phenolic compounds. The interactions between phenols and PEG is taught to be done via H-bonds . PEG is believed to protect laccases of being entrapped inside the formed polymers since a complex between polyphenol and PEG is formed (see figure). In this work, we chemically link PEG to laccase. The data obtained revealed that the presence of PEG in the medium, as additive or linked to the enzyme, influences greatly the polymerization level. The presence of PEG as template did not promote a higher degree of polymerization but instead a higher amount of polymer formed corresponding to higher concentration of oligomers. A pegylated laccase is presented herein as a super catalyst with great potential for the polymerization of a vast number of monomers performed at green conditions.

Designing of a laccase super-catalyst

254th National Meeting (2017)

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