Enzyme-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization for functional materials: principles, synthesis, and applications

The stereotyped knowledge of enzymes is a severe hindrance to the applications of this kind of incredible natural product. In this article, the novel strategies in applying enzymes in the field of reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) are discussed. The general principles and synthesis procedures in realizing RDRP with high selectivity, high efficiency, and high specificity are summarized and discussed. New processes in accomplishing enzyme-mediated RDRP by changing the reaction conditions and the environment, accelerating the process of the reaction, and strengthening the control of product structures and performances are presented. In the case of limited monomer species, more multifunctional polymers could be obtained by adding enzymes. We believe that this work would be of broad interest to readers in the fields of materials science, polymer science, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology, and it will help researchers to design and create novel polymers and enzyme-based materials for advanced applications.