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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Crop Improvement and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #232134
Title: Biosynthesis of Polyisoprenoids

Author
item PUSKAS, JUDIT - University Of Akron
item McMahan, Colleen
item DEFFIEUX, ALAIN - University Of Bordeaux
item KENNEDY, JOSEPH - University Of Akron

Submitted to: Patent Application
Publication Type: Pct (patent Cooperation Treaty)
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2009
Publication Date: 5/14/2010
Citation: Puskas, J., Mcmahan, C.M., Deffieux, A., Kennedy, J.P. 2010. Biosynthesis of Polyisoprenoids. Patent Cooperation Treaty US2009/005985.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The invention is a process for synthesis of a polymer with the same chemical structure as Natural Rubber (NR) obtained from Hevea brasiliensis and other plant species. The research collaborators recently proposed that NR biosynthesis proceeds via a carbocationic polymerization. Based on this theory, a general mechanism termed “Natural Living Carbocationic Polymerization” (NCLP) was developed. Central to the mechanism is an allylic carbocation from dimethyl allyl hydroxide (DMAOH), geranyl hydroxide (GOH) and DMABr initiator, analogues of allylic pyrophosphates that are nature’s initiators in NR production, activated by TiCI4 as a co-initiator to polymerize isoprene (IP). Combinations of these (or similar) chemicals under certain conditions leads to formation of a long-chain polymer, polyisoprene.