Abstract: A method for polymerizing electronic and photonic polymers, wherein an aromatic monomer is combined with a hematin catalyst derivatized with at least one non-proteinaceous amphipathic group, and a peroxide initiator, and employing a template, wherein the aromatic monomer aligns along the template and polymerizes to form a complex comprising the polymerized monomer and the template.

Abstract: A method for polymerizing electronic and photonic polymers, wherein an aromatic monomer is combined with a hematin catalyst derivatized with at least one non-proteinaceous amphipathic group, and a peroxide initiator, and employing a template, wherein the aromatic monomer aligns along the template and polymerizes to form a complex comprising the polymerized monomer and the template.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is formed enzymatically in the presence of a polynucleotide template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer with a polynucleotide template and a redox enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The monomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization. Therefore, the polynucleotide template thereby affects the molecular weight and conformation of the conductive polymer. When the conductive polymer is complexed to a polynucleotide duplex, the conformation of the polynucleotide duplex can be modulated by changing the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is formed enzymatically in the presence of a polynucleotide template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer with a polynucleotide template and a redox enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The monomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization. Therefore, the polynucleotide template thereby affects the molecular weight and conformation of the conductive polymer. When the conductive polymer is complexed to a polynucleotide duplex, the conformation of the polynucleotide duplex can be modulated by changing the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is formed enzymatically in the presence of a polynucleotide template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer with a polynucleotide template and a redox enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The monomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization. Therefore, the polynucleotide template thereby affects the molecular weight and conformation of the conductive polymer. When the conductive polymer is complexed to a polynucleotide duplex, the conformation of the polynucleotide duplex can be modulated by changing the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is formed enzymatically in the presence of a polynucleotide template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer with a polynucleotide template and a redox enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The monomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization. Therefore, the polynucleotide template thereby affects the molecular weight and conformation of the conductive polymer. When the conductive polymer is complexed to a polynucleotide duplex, the conformation of the polynucleotide duplex can be modulated by changing the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is formed enzymatically in the presence of a polynucleotide template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer with a polynucleotide template and a redox enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The monomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization. Therefore, the polynucleotide template thereby affects the molecular weight and conformation of the conductive polymer. When the conductive polymer is complexed to a polynucleotide duplex, the conformation of the polynucleotide duplex can be modulated by changing the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: One group of polymers comprise repeat units of Structural Formula (I) and/or (II): 1

Abstract: Hematin, a hydroxyferriprotoporphyrin, is derivatized with one or more non-proteinaceous amphipathic groups. The derivatized hematin can serve as a mimic of horseradish peroxidase in polymerizing aromatic monomers, such as aromatic compounds. These derivatized hematins can also be used as catalysts in polymerizing aromatic monomers, and can exhibit significantly greater catalytic activity than underivatized hematin in acidic solutions. In one embodiment, polymerization is in the presence of a template, along which aromatic monomers align. An assembled hematin includes alternating layers of hematin and a polyelectrolyte, which are deposited on an electrically charged substrate. Assembled hematin can also be used to polymerize aromatic monomers.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic cell includes contacting a cross-linking agent with semiconductor particles, and incorporating the semiconductor particles into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of enzymatic synthesis of polymers such as polyorganosilicones and polyesters, and new polymers made by these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. Such a complex possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

Abstract: Antioxidant polymers of the present invention comprise repeat units that include one or both of Structural Formulas (I) and (II): 1

Abstract: The micelle contains multiple units, each of which contains a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. A preferred unit is dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid. Borate-containing electrolytes include trifluoroborate, trimethylborate and hydrobis(pyridine)boron. Enzymes include peroxidases such as horseradish peroxidase or lignin peroxidase, and laccase. Monomers include unsubstituted and substituted anilines and unsubstituted and substituted phenols. A method is provided for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic cell includes contacting a cross-linking agent with semiconductor particles, and incorporating the semiconductor particles into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Hematin, a hydroxyferriprotoporphyrin, is derivatized with one or more non-proteinaceous amphipathic groups. The derivatized hematin can serve as a mimic of horseradish peroxidase in polymerizing aromatic monomers, such as aromatic compounds. These derivatized hematins can also be used as catalysts in polymerizing aromatic monomers, and can exhibit significantly greater catalytic activity than underivatized hematin in acidic solutions. In one embodiment, polymerization is in the presence of a template, along which aromatic monomers align. An assembled hematin includes alternating layers of hematin and a polyelectrolyte, which are deposited on an electrically charged substrate. Assembled hematin can also be used to polymerize aromatic monomers.

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymers which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties and methods of forming and crosslinking such polymers are disclosed. The crosslinkable polymers are combined with a crosslinking agent. Optionally, the crosslinking agent can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties. In one embodiment, the crosslinking agent is thermally reactive. Alternatively the crosslinking agent is photoreactive. The combined polymer and crosslinking agent are exposed to an electric field which is sufficient to cause a component of the polymer which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties to be poled. The polymer is then crosslinked by the crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent can be a guest compound that is-covalently bound to the polymer, which operates as a host compound.

Abstract: A polymer surface in contact with a liquid crystal medium is exposed to polarized light, whereby a covalently bound anisotropic component of the polymer surface aligns in response to the polarized light. Alignment of the anisotropic component causes alignment of the liquid crystal medium. An interference pattern of two polarized lights causes the covalently bound anisotropic component to form microgrooves on the polymer surface. A liquid crystal cell includes at least one polymer surface that has a covalently bound anisotropic component that can align in response to polarized light and a liquid crystal in contact with the polymer surface.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer structure having macroscopic second order nonlinear optical properties is described. The resulting nonlinear optical structures made by the method are also described. The method includes the steps of contacting a substrate having ionic adsorption sites with a first charged polyion; ceasing contact of the substrate with the first charged polyion; and thereafter, contacting the substrate with a second charged polyion having a charge opposite to that of the first charged polyion, wherein at least one of the polyions includes a nonlinear optical chromophoric side chain.

Abstract: Polymers are formed enzymatically in the presence of an oligomeric or polymeric template. The method includes combining at least one redox monomer or, in some cases, a redox oligomer, with a template and an enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase, to form a reaction mixture. The redox monomer or oligomer aligns along the template before or during the polymerization, the template thereby affecting at least one physical property of the resulting polymer, such as the molecular weight or shape of the polymer. In one embodiment, the template can be a polyelectrolyte or an optically active polymer.