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Biocatalytic Polyester Synthesis

EPA Grant Number: R828131
Title: Biocatalytic Polyester Synthesis
Investigators: Russell, Alan J.
Current Investigators: Russell, Alan J. , Beckman, Eric J.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh - Main Campus
EPA Project Officer: Karn, Barbara
Project Period: April 1, 2000 through March 31, 2003 (Extended to September 30, 2004)
Project Amount: $375,000
RFA: Technology for a Sustainable Environment (1999)
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Description:

We will use our expertise to further develop and understand an approach to biocatalytic polyesterification. The large scale synthesis of a plastic by green technology could have a real impact on both polymer designability and the environment.

Approach:

The research concerns enzyme catalyzed polymer synthesis in which there is either no solvent, or an environmentally benign solvent. The bulk polymerizations proposed will mirror conventional synthesis but will eliminate the need for extreme of temperature and corrosive acid catalysts, and will be used to generate polymers which are difficult or impossible to synthesize using classical polymer chemistry. The environmentally benign solvents to be used are supercritical carbon dioxide as a viscosity modifier, and a series of non-volatile ionic liquids. The research in ionic liquids represents the first use of enzymes in these solvents which offer such hope to the environment.

Expected Results:

This research will enable a detailed understanding of rapid and efficient synthesis of polyesters from bulk monomers under ambient conditions with very low biocatalyst concentrations. Furthermore, the work will address critical issues such as how to control polymer molecular weight and dispersity, and minimize the production of toxic by-products.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 11 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 6 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

enzymes, polymers, ionic liquids, supercritical carbon dioxide, , Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, toxic reagents, supercritical carbon dioxide, biocatalysis, cleaner production, environmentally-friendly chemical synthesis, toxicity, green chemistry, biocatalytic polymer synthesis, green process systems, environmentally benign solvents, polymer design, viscosity modifier, alternative materials, ionic liquids

Progress and Final Reports:
2002 Progress Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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