Chemoenzymatic synthesis of oleic acid-based polyesters for use as highly stable biomaterials

Chemoenzymatic preparation of linear and crosslinked oleic-based polyesters for use as highly stable biomaterials has been developed. Oleic acid was epoxidized to be transformed into a polymerizable monomer. Novozym 435, an active and stable lipase for the epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid was employed to catalyze the reaction. Poly(oleic acid) was synthesized by heating the oleic acid epoxide monomer at 120°C for 21 hours with magnetic stirring. The polymer product was then cooled to room temperature and sampled for NMR, FTIR, and MALDI-TOF analyses. It was observed that the use of enzyme offers advantages to void side reactions and promote environmentally friendly processes. The chemoenzymatic approach can allow to derive a spectrum pf oleomaterials.