Biodegradable Polyester Synthesis in Renewed Aqueous Polycondensation Media: The Core of the New Greener Polymer-5B Technology

An innovative enzymatic polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids and dialcohols in aqueous polymerization media using free immobilized lipases was developed. Various parameters (type lipases, temperature, pH, stirring type rate, monomer carbon chain length) the an oil-in-water (o/w) miniemulsion (>80% water) were evaluated. The best results for achieved with equimolar concentration (0.5 M) octanedioic acid 1,8-octanediol water, both at initial pH 5.0 Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B (PBLI). synthesized poly(octamethylene suberate) (POS) is characterized by a molecular weight 7800 g mol−1 conversion 98% 45 °C after 48 h batch operation mode. A comparative study different modes (batch fed-batch), type, biocatalyst reutilization miniemulsion, organic solvent (cyclohexane:tetrahydrofuran 5:1 v/v) performed. Regarding polymer (%), mode more appropriate synthesis POS fed-batch showed better solvent. water used as promising potential since they presented no enzyme inhibition high concentrations excellent reproducibility. PBLI capability over seven cycles (conversion > 90%) stability equivalent to 72 60 on water. benefits o/w or are origin new concept strategy green process product that constitutes core greener polymer-5B technology.