Can Block Copolymers Be Synthesized by a Single-Step Chemoenzymatic Route in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide?

Abstract

We demonstrate the single-step one-pot synthesis of block copolymers by simultaneous enzymatic ring-opening polymerization and chemically catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. Both catalyst systems function simultaneously under these conditions, providing a simple route to the formation of block copolymers of dissimilar monomers.