Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-wzw2p Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-05-13T22:39:39.090Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Large Scale Thermally Synthesized Polyaspartate as a Biodegradable Substitute in Polymer Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

A.P. Wheeler  and
L.P. Koskan
A.P. Wheeler
Affiliation:
Dept. of Biological Sciences, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC 29634
L.P. Koskan
Affiliation:
Donlar Corp., Bedford Park, IL 60501
Get access

Abstract

Polyanionic proteins isolated from biominerals serve as models for the development of biodegradable surface-reactive commercial polymers. A simple model for the natural polyanions is polyaspartic acid. This polymer may be made on a large scale using thermal polymerization of dry aspartic acid. The immediate result of the reaction is polysuccinimide which is hydrolyzed with base to form the polypeptide. The overall process yields up to 99% conversion of aspartic acid to polyaspartate. The thermal polyaspartate (TPA) is a copolymer having 70% of the amide bonds formed from β-carboxyl groups and 30% from α-carboxyl groups. TPA is as effective as the commercial polyanion polyacrylate in mineral dispersion and growth inhibition assays. Biodegradation of the TPA has been established using standard BOD and CO2 evolution assays. In contrast, polyacrylates appear to be non-degradable. Modifications of the TPA have been made by reacting the succinimide with nucleophiles. Crosslinking of the polymer has been achieved, a process which results in absorbent gels. Because TPA can be produced in large scale, has similar activity to polyacrylate and is biodegradable, it seems a likely candidate for use in numerous applications in which non-degradable polyanions are employed. These applications include use as detergent additives, water treatment chemicals, dispersants for the paint and paper industry and as superabsorbents in health and sanitary products.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 292: Symposium S – Biomolecular Materials , 1992 , 277
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Wheeler, A. P. and Sikes, C. S., in Biomineralization: Chemical and Biochemical perspectives, edited by Mann, S., Webb, J. and Williams, R. J. P. (VCH, Weinheim, 1989), p. 95.Google Scholar
2. Addadi, L., Moradian-Oldak, J., and Weiner, S., in Surface Reactive Pepides and Polymers, edited by Sikes, C. S. and Wheeler, A. P. (ACS, Washington DC, 1991), p. 13.Google Scholar
3. Sikes, C. S. and Wheeler, A. P., CHEMTECH, 620 (1988).Google Scholar
4. Borbas, J. E., Wheeler, A. P. and Sikes, C. S., J. Exp. Zool. 258, 1 (1991).Google Scholar
5. Rusenko, K. W., Donachy, J. E. and Wheeler, A. P., in Surface Reactive Peptides and Polymers, edited by Sikes, C. S. and Wheeler, A. P. (ACS, Washington DC, 1991), p. 107.Google Scholar
6. Wheeler, A. P. and Sikes, C. S., in Materials Synthesis Utilizing Biological Processes, edited by Rieke, P. C., Calvert, P. D., and Alper, M. (MRS, Pittsburgh, 1990), p. 69.Google Scholar
7. Chiaudani, G. and Poltronien, P., Ingegneria Ambientale, No. 11 (1990).Google Scholar
8. Fox, S. W. and Harada, K., in A Laboratory Manualfytical Methods of Protein Chemistry, Vol.4, edited by Alexander, P. and Lundgren, H. P. (Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1966), p. 127.Google Scholar
9. Koskan, L. P. and Low, K. C.. U.S. Patent No. 5057597 (1991).Google Scholar
10. Vegotsky, A., Harada, K. and Fox., S. W. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80, 3361 (1958).Google Scholar
11. Hoagland, P. D. and Fox, S. W., Experientia 29, 962 (1973).Google Scholar
12. Mosig, J., Wheeler, A. P. and Gooding, C. H. unpublished data.Google Scholar
13. Pivcova, H., Saudek, V. and Drobnik., H. Polymer 23, 1237 (1982).Google Scholar
14. Kokufuta, E., Suzuki, S. and Harada, K., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jap. 51, 1555 (1978).Google Scholar
15. Wheeler, A. P., unpublished data.Google Scholar
16. Greek., B. F. Chem Eng. News. Jan 25, (1988) p. 21.Google Scholar
17. Pierce, C. C. and Hoots, J. E., in Chemical Aspects of Regulation of Mineralization, edited by Sikes, C. S. and Wheeler, A. P. (Univ. of South Alabama Publication Services, Mobile, AL, 1988), p. 53.Google Scholar