Electrosynthesis of mussel‐inspired adhesive polymers as a novel class of transient enzyme stabilizers

Multifunctional ortho‐quinones are required for the formation of thiol‐catechol‐connectivities (TCC) but can be delicate to handle. We present the electrochemical oxidation of the dipeptide DiDOPA, achieving up to 92% conversion efficiency of the catechols to ortho‐quinones. Graphite and stainless steel could be employed as cost‐efficient electrodes. The electrochemical activation yields quinone‐solutions, which are free of undesired reactive compounds and eliminates the challenging step of isolating the reactive quinones. The DiDOPA quinones were employed in polyaddition reactions with multi‐thiols, forming oligomers that functioned as transient enzyme stabilizers (TES). These TCC‐TES‐additives improved the thermal stability and the activity of tyrosinase in heat stress assays.