Enzyme-Programmed Degradation of Photopolymer Networks: Substrate Accessibility, Kinetics, Products and Control

Enzyme-programmed degradation uses cleavable network elements so that a biological catalyst changes a photopolymer structure after cure. The observed degradation rate depends not only on enzyme kinetics but also on enzyme access, substrate density, swelling, network topology and transport of soluble products. This review separates molecular cleavage from bulk mass loss and mechanical failure, compares surface and bulk degradation, and defines qualification of degradation products, spatial progression and trigger specificity. ER-437.