Sumitomo claims breakthrough in synthesizing biopolymers using tomato enzymes

KOBE, Japan—Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. has claimed a breakthrough in synthesizing biopolymers through a selective polymerization process.

As part of its research, SRI scientists discovered that using modified tomato enzymes as a polymerization catalyst made it possible to select polymer initial monomers "at will."

"Based on this discovery, we have now succeeded in synthesizing biopolymers incorporating initial monomers that are more conducive to improving tire performance," Sumitomo Rubber said in an Oct. 13 news release.

The new biopolymers, the company said, can help accelerate the development of what it described as "the ultimate fuel-efficient tires."

The breakthrough is the latest in a series of bio-based rubber materials developments at SRI over the recent years.

In March, the company announced that it had successfully synthesized a biopolymer using a technology that determines the key sections affecting the length of polymer chain.

It then replaced the segment with a similar segment of a specially modified enzyme derived from tomatoes.

As part of its latest discovery, SRI said that its scientists had discovered that the use of modified tomato enzymes weakens initial monomer selectivity.

This, in turn, allows for synthesis starting from monomers other than the initial monomers typically involved in the initiation of polymerization.

The Japanese rubber and tire group also used this newfound knowledge to synthesize "entirely new biopolymers" incorporating initial monomers that had been selected at will.

SRI now aims to use the technology to improve the sustainability of its tires and develop products "that take fuel efficiency to all-new heights for the 2040s and beyond."