Synthesis of Environmentally-Friendly Nylon Derivatives

Abstract

Nylon is a synthetic polymer family with diverse commercial applications, most notably in fibers. Nylon was first synthesized by DuPont chemist Wallace Carothers in 1935. While nylon itself is not hazardous, traditional nylon synthesis utilizes harmful petrochemical derivatives such as HMDA, adipoyl chloride, and hexane. Here in the United States, over 1 million kg of nylon-6 related, non-biodegradeable chemical waste is produced every year with over 20,000 kg being released into the air and water. In this study, we worked to develop an alternative pathway for green, nylon-type polymer synthesis via enzymatic amide bond formation. Enzymes are biomolecules, typically proteins, that increase the rate of a chemical reaction while not being consumed. As such, using an enzyme could increase the efficiency of nylon-like polymer synthesis. Furthermore, sugars like glucose could serve as renewable building blocks and allow for polymer formation at lower temperatures with less environmental impact. Herein, we report an enzymatic approach to nylon-type polymer synthesis using renewable building blocks.