Chemo-enzymatic processing of bio-based building blocks to circular functional materials

Introduction

Recent advances driven by society’s need for implementing a more sustainable polymer chemistry have led to the development of several bio-based materials and a booming interest in using biocatalysts for polymer processing and recycling.

Project Aim

The aim of CIRCULARIZE is to develop appropriate chemo-enzymatic methods to process bio-based resources to obtain advanced functional materials. This will be achieved via the exploitation of highly selective reactions following the principles of green chemistry.

Further, the project aims to improve the reaction efficiency of the biocatalysts and understand and control the surface and bulk properties of the produced materials in pursuit of novel smart materials and reactive surfaces.

Current Challenges

Current processes for the utilization of bio-based monomers and resources are unspecific and lead to products of poor quality due to side reactions. Specific biocatalysts could achieve optimal selectivity, together with minimal damage to the monomers and polymers, and provide high-quality advanced materials.

Shortcomings of Existing Techniques

When considering the multifunctional monomers deriving from biomass, the chemo-catalytic techniques used by industry have some major shortcomings, such as:

1. Limited selectivity (leading to side reactions)
2. Use of toxic catalysts and solvents

Proposed Solutions

Using this knowledge, the CIRCULARIZE project will develop and apply techniques based on sustainable chemo-enzymatic processes. This will involve developing a series of fully bio-based hybrid polymers with smart characteristics, including:

• Temperature-switchable properties
• Vitrimeric properties

These polymers will also be able to finely tune their degradation via the insertion of enzyme-susceptible motifs.

Methodological Approach

Methodologically, CIRCULARIZE strives to establish new approaches at the cross-sectorial biotechnology/polymer chemistry interface. The goal is to extend the current knowledge on enzymes for polymer synthesis and processing and, in the long term, to develop a sustainable biopolymer chemistry capable of building an endless selective carbon recovery loop.