Biodegradable polymers
AssigneeUniversity of Massachusetts
InventorsJohn C. Warner, Alessandra Morelli, Man Ching Ku
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Abstract
The invention relates to methods of solubilizing and recycling polymers using irradiation, wherein the polymers comprise photoreactive moieties. These polymers have many applications including use in disposable consumer products such as beverage bottles, eating utensils and diapers.
Claims21
A method of solubilizing a polymer, the method comprising;
- (a) obtaining a cross-linked polymer, wherein the cross-links are formed through [2+2] cyclization reactions between photoreactive moieties of the polymer;
- (b) contacting the cross-linked polymer with an enzyme that recognizes [2+2] cyclization products to form a polymer-enzyme mixture;
- and
- (c) irradiating the polymer-enzyme mixture for a time sufficient to solubilize the polymer.
A product in the form of a beverage bottle, eating utensil, dish, bag, or diaper, the product comprising a crosslinked polymer, wherein the cross-links are formed through [2+2] reactions between photoreactive moieties of the polymer and the polymer is capable of being solubilized using an enzyme that recognizes [2+2] reaction products.
A method of recycling a polymer, the method comprising;
- (a) obtaining a water-soluble polymer comprising photoreactive moieties capable of participating in [2+2] cross-linking reactions;
- (b) irradiating the polymer for a time sufficient to cross-link the polymer, thereby making the polymer water-insoluble;
- (c) contacting the cross-linked polymer with an enzyme that recognizes [2+2] cyclization products to form a polymer-enzyme mixture;
- and
- (d) irradiating the polymer-enzyme mixture for a time sufficient to render the polymer water-soluble.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.