The effect of high-energy environments on the structure of laccase-polymerized poly(catechol).
The laccase polymerization of catechol was performed using different reactors namely a water bath (WB), an ultrasonic bath (US) and a high-pressure homogenizer (HPH). The total content of free OH and the MALDI-TOF spectra of polymers obtained demonstrated that reactions are favored in the presence of high-energy environments. Higher conversion yields and polymerization degrees (DP) were obtained after polymerization using US or HPH. Molecular dynamic simulation studies supported these findings by revealing a more open enzyme active site upon environments with high molecular agitation. The higher mass transport generated by US and HPH is the main feature responsible for a higher substrate accessibility to the enzyme which contributed to produce longer polymers.
['Su|Jing|J|', 'Castro|Tarsila G|TG|', 'Noro|Jennifer|J|', 'Fu|Jiajia|J|', 'Wang|Qiang|Q|', 'Silva|Carla|C|', 'Cavaco-Paulo|Artur|A|']
D002384:Catalysis D002396:Catechols D004795:Enzyme Stability D042845:Laccase D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation D015394:Molecular Structure D008970:Molecular Weight D058105:Polymerization D011312:Pressure D066244:Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet D000069453:Ultrasonic Waves
Laccase Polymerization Catechol Ultrasonic bath High-pressure homogenizer