Ring-opening polymerization of bile acid macrocycles by Candida antarctica lipase B

Lipase-catalyzed polymerization was explored as an alternative for Ru-catalyzed ring opening metathesis polymerization in the synthesis of polyesters bearing large functional moieties as part of the main chain. The selectivity of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) towards the functional groups of cholic acid (CA) was demonstrated, and the obtained CA-based polymers had relatively high molar masses, rubber-like elasticity, and glass transitions close to body temperature.