Biodegradable polymers

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of solubilizing and recycling polymers using irradiation, wherein the polymers comprise photoreactive moieties. These polymers have many applications including use in disposable consumer products such as beverage bottles, eating utensils and diapers.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A product in the form of a beverage bottle, eating utensil, dish, bag, or diaper, the product comprising a crosslinked polymer, wherein the cross-links are formed through [2+2] reactions between photoreactive moieties of the polymer and the polymer is capable of being solubilized using an enzyme that recognizes [2+2] reaction products.  
   
   
       13 . A method of recycling a polymer, the method comprising; 
 (a) obtaining a water-soluble polymer comprising photoreactive moieties capable of participating in [2+2] cross-linking reactions;    (b) irradiating the polymer for a time sufficient to cross-link the polymer, thereby making the polymer water-insoluble;    (c) contacting the cross-linked polymer with an enzyme that recognizes [2+2] cyclization products to form a polymer-enzyme mixture; and    (d) irradiating the polymer-enzyme mixture for a time sufficient to render the polymer water-soluble.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the photoreactive moieties are thymine.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the photoreactive moieties are uracil.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the photoreactive moieties of the polymer comprise about 3%-50% by weight of the polymer.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is irradiated for the first time with UV light.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is irradiated with UV light of 285 nm.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer-enzyme mixture is irradiated with UV light.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer-enzyme mixture is irradiated with visible light.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the enzyme is DNA photolyase.