School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, UK.
BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Biopolymers. 2020 Sep;111(9):e23390. doi: 10.1002/bip.23390. Epub 2020 Jul 8.
Intermolecular cross-linking is one of the most important techniques that can be used to fundamentally alter the material properties of a polymer. The introduction of covalent bonds between individual polymer chains creates 3D macromolecular assemblies with enhanced mechanical properties and greater chemical or thermal tolerances. In contrast to many chemical cross-linking reactions, which are the basis of thermoset plastics, enzyme catalysed processes offer a complimentary paradigm for the assembly of cross-linked polymer networks through their predictability and high levels of control. Additionally, enzyme catalysed reactions offer an inherently 'greener' and more biocompatible approach to covalent bond formation, which could include the use of aqueous solvents, ambient temperatures, and heavy metal-free reagents. Here, we review recent progress in the development of biocatalytic methods for polymer cross-linking, with a specific focus on the most promising candidate enzyme classes and their underlying catalytic mechanisms. We also provide exemplars of the use of enzyme catalysed cross-linking reactions in industrially relevant applications, noting the limitations of these approaches and outlining strategies to mitigate reported deficiencies.
分子间交联是一种最重要的技术，可以从根本上改变聚合物的材料性质。在单个聚合物链之间引入共价键，可以形成具有增强的机械性能和更高的化学或热耐受性的 3D 大分子组装体。与许多作为热固性塑料基础的化学交联反应相比，酶催化过程通过其可预测性和高水平的控制，为交联聚合物网络的组装提供了一种补充的范例。此外，酶催化反应为共价键形成提供了一种固有更环保和更生物相容的方法，其中可能包括使用水性溶剂、环境温度和无重金属试剂。在这里，我们综述了用于聚合物交联的生物催化方法的最新进展，特别关注最有前途的候选酶类及其潜在的催化机制。我们还提供了酶催化交联反应在工业相关应用中的实例，指出了这些方法的局限性，并概述了减轻报告缺陷的策略。
