Oxireductases in the Enzymatic Synthesis of Water-Soluble Conducting Polymers, by E. Ochoteco and D. Mecerreyes * Transferases in Polymer Chemistry, by J. van der Vlist and K. Loos * Hydrolases Part I: Enzyme Mechanism, Selectivity and Control in the Synthesis of Well-Defined Polymers, by M.A.J. Veld and A.R.A. Palmans * Hydrolases in Polymer Chemistry: Chemoenzymatic Approaches to Polymeric Materials, by A. Heise and A.R.A. Palmans * Hydrolases in Polymer Chemistry: Part III: Synthesis and Limited Surface Hydrolysis of Polyesters and Other Polymers, by G.M. Guebitz * Exploiting Biocatalysis in the Synthesis of Supramolecular Polymers, by S. Roy and R. V. Ulijn

This book comprehensively covers researches on enzymatic polymerization and related enzymatic approaches to produce well-defined polymers, which is valuable and promising for conducting green polymer chemistry. It consists of twelve chapters, including the following topics: The three classes of enzymes, oxidoreductases, transferases and hydrolases, have been employed as catalysts for enzymatic polymerization and modification; Well-defined polysaccharides are produced by enzymatic polymerization catalyzed by hydrolases and transferases; Hydrolase-catalyzed polycondensation and ring-opening polymerization are disclosed to produce a variety of polyesters; Polyesters are synthesized by in-vivo acyltransferase catalysis produced by microorganisms; Enzymatic polymerization catalyzed by appropriate enzymes also produces polypeptides and other polymers; Poly(aromatic)s are obtained by enzymatic polymerization catalyzed by oxidoreductases and their model complexes; Such enzymes also induce oxidative polymerization of vinyl monomers; Enzymatic modification of polymers is achieved to produce functionalized polymeric materials; The enzymatic polymerization is a green process with non-toxic catalysts, high catalyst efficiency, green solvents and renewable starting materials, and minimal by-products; Moreover, renewable resources like biomass are potentially employed as a starting substrate, producing useful polymeric materials. This book is not only educative to young polymer chemists like graduate students but also suggestive to industrial researchers, showing the importance of the future direction of polymer synthesis for maintaining a sustainable society.

Smart polymers are polymers that respond to different stimuli or changes in the environment. Smart Polymers and their Applications reviews the types, synthesis, properties, and applications of smart polymers. Chapters in part one focus on types of polymers, including temperature-, pH-, photo-, and enzyme-responsive polymers. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. Part two highlights applications of smart polymers, including smart instructive polymer substrates for tissue engineering; smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery; the use of smart polymers in medical devices for minimally invasive surgery, diagnosis, and other applications; and smart polymers for bioseparation and other biotechnology applications. Further chapters discuss the use of smart polymers for textile and packaging applications, and for optical data storage. Smart Polymers and their Applications is a technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the polymer industry; manufacturers in such sectors as medical, automotive, and aerospace engineering; and academic researchers in polymer science. - Reviews the different types of smart polymer, discussing their properties, structure, design, and characterization - Reviews applications of smart polymers in such areas as biomedical engineering, textiles, and food packaging

This handbook covers characteristics, processability and application areas of biodegradable polymers, with key polymer family groups discussed. It explores the role of biodegradable polymers in different waste management practices including anaerobic digestion, and considers topics such as the different types of biorefineries for renewable monomers used in producing the building blocks for biodegradable polymers.

Searching for green and environmentally friendly polymerization methods by using enzymes? This first handbook on this hot and essential topic contains the whole chain of knowledge of biocatalysis in polymer chemistry in both a comprehensive and compact form. International leading experts cover all important aspects, from enzymatic monomer synthesis to polymer modification and degradation. While the major focus of the book is on enzymatic polymerizations of the polymer classes reported so far, industrial contributions are also included, making this invaluable reading for biochemists and polymer chemists working in academia and industry.

The enzymatic polymerization of phenolic compounds has been generating interest in several fields such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These compounds are employed for their antioxidant properties; however, their use is limited by their low solubility and thermal stability. Polymerization can improve their solubility and their thermal stability though and create new properties which are dependent on the molecular mass and the structure of polymers. The reaction yield, the polydispersity, the molecular mass, the structure and the properties of synthesized polymers can be controlled by the mode of control of the reaction and by the reaction conditions. Enzymatic polymerization of phenolic compounds by oxidoreductases analyze the processes used and the key factors (temperature, solvent, origin of the enzyme, structure of the substrate, reactor design, ...) which control the polymerization of phenolic species by these oxidoreductase enzymes in order to obtain polymers with desired characteristics and properties.