Diffusion limitations in enzyme mimicing polymer mediated reactions

Abstract

Diffusional effects in reactions involving macromolecular substrates and reactants in heterogeneous media lead to unique features. We report investigations on the hydrolysis of 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate copolymers catalyzed by imidazole and poly (W-vinyl imidazole) selected as an enzyme mimicing polymer. This process has been mathematically modelled, and the predictions compared with experimental findings. The model framework is general for diffusion-reaction problems of this class. The work has also pragmatic relevance in the design of drug delivery systems, since the reaction takes place in pH ranges of physiological significance.