Enzymatic Polymer Synthesis of Biobased Polymers

Enzymatic polymer synthesis harnesses specialised enzymes, most commonly lipases, to catalyse the formation of polymer chains from monomers derived from renewable biomass. Unlike traditional high-temperature or metal-catalysed processes, biocatalytic routes proceed under mild conditions—often below 100 °C and in solvent-free or benign solvent systems—reducing energy consumption and eliminating toxic residues. By varying the choice of biobased monomer (for example furanic diols, aliphatic diesters or aromatic diacids) and tailoring the enzyme selectivity, researchers can control molecular weight, crystallinity and biodegradation rate. This approach addresses global challenges of plastic pollution by producing fully renewable and often compostable materials with properties comparable to petrochemical counterparts. Applications span packaging, fibres and biomedical devices, where precise chain-end functionalisation and narrow dispersities afford advanced performance in drug delivery, flexible films and sustainable coatings.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the enzymatic synthesis of a series of fully bio-based aromatic–aliphatic polyesters derived from pyridinedicarboxylate monomers obtainable from lignin. Using an immobilised lipase catalyst under both solventless and diphenyl ether conditions, researchers achieved polymers with number-average molecular weights exceeding 14 kDa and dispersities below 2.0. By comparing 2,4-, 2,5- and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate isomers with conventional terephthalate analogues, they revealed clear correlations between monomer structure, thermal transitions and crystallinity. The amorphous or semi-crystalline nature of each polymer aligned with the positional isomerism of the pyridine ring, offering tunable glass-transition and melting temperatures. This work establishes lignin-derived pyridine diacids as viable green alternatives to fossil-based aromatics in high-performance biobased polyesters.

Enzymatic Polymer Synthesis of Biobased Polymers publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in enzymatic polymer synthesis of biobased polymers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Enzymatic polymerisation: Formation of polymer chains via enzyme-mediated bond formation under mild conditions.

Biobased monomer: A small molecule feedstock sourced from renewable biomass rather than petroleum.

Lipase (e.g. CALB): An enzyme that catalyses ester bond formation and hydrolysis, widely used in polyester synthesis.

Furanic monomer (BHMF): 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan, a biomass-derived diol offering rigid aromatic character.

Pyridinedicarboxylate: Aromatic diacid derived from lignin, used to produce bio-based polyesters with tailored thermal properties.

Dispersity (Đ): Ratio of weight-average to number-average molecular weight, indicating polymer chain-length distribution.

References

1. Biocatalysis: Sustainable solutions for the synthesis and depolymerization of aromatic–aliphatic polymers. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (2024).
2. Enzymatic bulk synthesis, characterization, rheology, and biodegradability of biobased 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan polyesters. Green Chemistry (2024).
3. One-pot green synthesis and characterization of novel furan-based oligoesters. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy (2023).
4. Enzymatic synthesis of lignin derivable pyridine based polyesters for the substitution of petroleum derived plastics. Nature Communications (2019).