Investigation of Peroxidase-Like Activity of Flower-Shaped Nanobiocatalyst from Viburnum Opulus L. Extract on the Polymerization Reactions

Here, we report the effects of peroxidase-mimicking activity of flower shaped hybrid nanobiocatalyst obtained from Viburnum-Opulus L. (Gilaburu) extract and Cu2+ ions on the polymerization of phenol and its derivatives (guaiacol and salicylic acid). The obtained nanoflowers exhibited quite high catalytic activity upon the polymerization of phenol and guaiacol. The yields and the number average molecular weights of the obtained polymers were significantly high. Due to solubility issue of salicylic acid in aqueous media, polymerization of salicylic acid resulted in very low yields. Free-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme is known to be losing its catalytic activity at 60 °C and above temperatures. However, the synthesized nanoflowers exhibited quite high catalytic activity even at 60 °C and above reaction temperatures. This provides notable benefits for reactions needed at high temperatures, and it is very important to use these kinds of nanobiocatalysts for both scientific studies and industrial applications.