A novel method for synthesis of water-soluble polypyrrole with horseradish peroxidase enzyme

TLDR: In this paper, a novel water-soluble, conducting polypyrrole role was synthesized by horseradish peroxidase (HRP), in the presence of sulfonated polystyrene, as a polyanionic template.

Abstract: A novel water-soluble, conducting polypyr- role was synthesized by horseradish peroxidase (HRP), in the presence of sulfonated polystyrene, as a polyanionic template. The HRP is an effective catalyst for the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of hydrogen per- oxide at room temperature. The reaction is sensitive to so- lution pH and it is performed in pH 2 aqueous solutions. Polymerization of pyrrole by this biological route produced a conducting water-soluble polypyrrole for the first time. The reaction is benign and in one pot, and the product requires minimal purification. The reversible redox activity of the polypyrrole displays a hystersis loop with pH changes. FT-IR, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy ,and cyclic voltammetry are used in the characterization of the synthe- sized polypyrrole. These studies confirm the electroactive and conducting form of polypyrrole, similar to that which has been traditionally synthesized, chemically and electro- chemically. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 254 -258, 2004