SmithLabREUProject:ResearchTowardSustainableEnzymaticCatalysis

We have shown that amphiphilic polymers do notaggregate, which allows the size of unimolecularmicelles to be controlled by the molecular weight of thepolymer. Our goals include (i) synthesizing amphiphilicpolymers and studying how their backbone andsidechain compositions affect polymer properties, and(ii) assessing their ability to stabilize enzymes ex vivo.

Enzymes are remarkable catalysts. Unimolecularmicelles could stabilize enzymes ex vivo for catalyzingreactions where reactants and/or products are notbiocompatible (e.g. the enzymatic epoxide resolutionbelow).

CuAAC, "click"Post-polymerization

modificationFunctionalized

polymer synthonAmphiphilic polymers

Unimolecular micelles

Insolubleglobule

> LCST

< LCST

no cmc

H2O

HO

Rn

Hydrophobic azides

Hydrophilic azides

Encapsulated SC(SC@polymer)

Subtilisin Carlsberg(SC)

Unimolecular micelles are little explored amphiphilicmaterials containing hydrophobic and hydrophilicgroups in the same molecule. Typical micelles self-assemble from several molecules.

Success on this front would be an important stepforward in sustainable catalysis.

Studentswilllearn:• Monomerandpolymersynthesis• Post-polymerizationmodification

• Purificationtechniques• Polymercharacterization• Enzymaticcatalysis

O

RR = Me, Ph

O

R(S)

R

OHHO

(R)+

EncapsulatedAgrobactirium Radiobacter

(AR@polymer)

H2O

AR@polymer

TunableLCST.Solubilitydecreaseswhilethetemperatureincreases