Enzymatic Synthesis of Amide Oligomers

This technology identifies enzymatic routes to synthesize amide oligomers with defined sequence to improve polymerization of existing materials or enable polymerization of new materials. Polymers are generally composed of one (e.g. Nylon 6) or two (e.g. Nylon 66) monomers arranged in a repeating sequence. Ensuring balanced stoichiometry for polymerization of Nylon 66 requires separate production of a diacid and diamine, crystallization of the salt, and polymerization. Directly forming the omega-amino monomer would simplify biosynthesis, purification, and polymerization and further promises to reduce the overall carbon footprint of polymer manufacturing. Additionally, polymers with more complicated sequences could have improved properties. However, copolymerization of mixed monomers gives a random arrangement of monomers and poor material properties. New methods to control polymer sequence such as this would enable new applications.

Description

This technology identifies enzymes that catalyze amide bond formation between polymer-relevant diacids, diamines, and omega-amino acids. Conventional methods for polymer synthesis cannot easily incorporate mixed monomers into ordered oligomers. The enzymes described provide additional substrate and product selectivity to generate defined oligomers rather than random polymers. The enzymes use ATP to activate a carboxylic acid and condense that activated intermediate with an amine to form an amide bond, and they accept non-native substrates such as adipic acid and diamines to form diad and triad products. These products could then be polymerized to give either existing polymers such as Nylon 66 or new polymers with defined sequence. The enzymes can also be engineered to improve activity and selectivity.

Benefits

• Incorporates mixed monomers into ordered oligomers
• Can synthesize oligomers to simplify production of existing polymers
• Can make new materials not previously feasible

Applications and Industries

• Chemical industry
• Biological processing

Contact

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.