Advances in enzyme-catalysis-mediated RAFT polymerization

Abstract

Enzyme-catalysis-mediated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (Enz-RAFT) polymerization is considered to be one of the most versatile synthetic strategies and biotechnologies, proceeding in an efficient, mild, and selective manner. Benefiting from its benignity, high efficiency, and eco-friendliness, Enz-RAFT has been widely applied in various fields, such as precise, multi-block copolymers; ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers; functional polymers with complex architectures; and well-defined polymers. Different from other new RAFT polymerization techniques (e.g., metal-, photo-, redox-, photoinduced electron/energy transfer [PET]-, etc.), Enz-RAFT can initiate RAFT polymerization under ambient conditions, particularly controlling the RAFT process even in the present of oxygen, which has attracted much attention. This review summarizes current advances in Enz-RAFT polymerization for functional applications.