Enzymes in Polymer Science: An Introduction

Enzymes are important catalysts in a wide range of reactions because of their catalytic rates, specificity and function under mild conditions. These features have led to extensive studies of enzyme structure and function, particularly with small molecules. These studies have also led to the use of enzymes for many industrially-relevant applications. In recent years the benefits of enzymes in various reactions in polymer science also have been investigated. These studies have been catalyzed by at least two major interests: (a) issues related to 'green chemistry' and (b) the discovery that enzymes function in novel environments such as environmental extremes and organic solvents. These interests have spurred a new generation of activity to explore the role of these protein-based catalysts in a wide range of reactions related to polymer synthesis and polymer modification. This volume captures some of these activities and documents new directions and advances in the use of enzymes in polymer science.