Controlling the polymerization of coniferyl alcohol with cyclodextrins
Abstract
The mono-electronic oxidation of coniferyl alcohol leads to phenoxy radicals and ultimately to the synthesis of dimeric
lignans. Coniferyl alcohol and lignans are all potential guests for cyclodextrins (CDs) to form noncovalent host-guest
inclusion complexes. Here, the influence of CDs with different cavity volumes (i.e. α, β or γCD) on the laccase-driven
oxidation of coniferyl alcohol is studied. We are clearly showing that βCD interacts with the lignan products and selectively
prevent their further oxidation by the enzyme. Moreover, amongst the three lignans generated the system made of a
laccase and βCD allows a selective enrichment of pinoresinol, a behaviour somehow mimicking that of plant dirigent
proteins.
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