The microstructure of polymers enzymatically synthesized in a self-assembling environment

Polyphenols are synthesized in the self-assembling environment of reversed micelles using an oxidative enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Hydrogen-bonding interactions between the monomer and the surfactant lead to monomer partitioning to the micellar interface. The polymer has the morphology of distinct and interconnected micron-sized spherical particles. The internal microstructure of the particles appears to be made up of nanometer-sized polymer patches. By controlling the extent of reaction it is possible to modify the internal density of these polymer microspheres. Intramicellar solutes such as enzymes and nanoparticles are entrapped within the microspheres and confer specific properties to the resulting composite. This leads to a method of microencapsulation and the preparation of novel polymer-protein and/or polymer-ceramic composites.