Charged Complexes of Random Copolymers for Applications in Environmental Sustainability*

Random copolymers possess a degree of heterogeneity arising from their statistical distribution of monomer components, and charged random copolymers can be used to form heterogeneous complexes with favorable interactions towards various molecules and substrates.  This property has been utilized to form polyelectrolyte complexes of anionic and cationic random copolymers that can segregate and effectively remove several organic contaminants from aqueous solution. We extend this concept to complexes of charged random copolymers and enzymes that can enhance enzymatic activity, particularly in the case of PET degradation.