Combinatorial Approach to Enzymatic Polymer Processing

University Of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The aim is to emulate the reaction processes used in nature for lignin polymerization, the setting of mussel glue, and insect shell hardening. These polymerization and curing processes are enzyme-initiated and then they progress in a "domino" fashion. In this project, it is proposed to use tyrosinase to convert natural phenolic precursors into reactive o-quinones, which can then serve as agents for polysaccharide crosslinking and protein-polysaccharide coupling. To elucidate more mechanistic details, a combined biochemical and mechanical screening program has been devised.