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Accumulating investigations illustrated that miRNA acts as a key regulator in tumor progression, whereas regulatory role of miR-96-5p in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is warranted. Thus, we sought to probe mechanism of miR-96-5p in this disease. Through bioinformatics analysis, miR-96-5p level in normal tissue and LUAD tissue in TCGA database were obtained. Meanwhile, mRNA expression dataset was analyzed to obtain downregulated mRNAs binding to miR-96-5p. qRT-PCR assessed miR-96-5p and ARHGAP6 mRNA in LUAD. Western blot assessed protein level of ARHGAP6 in LUAD. Dual-luciferase reporter gene detection verified targeting relationship of miR-96-5p and ARHGAP6. Biological functional experiments such as CCK-8, colony formation, scratch healing, and Transwell assessed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MiR-96-5p was overexpressed, which fostered LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ARHGAP6 was downregulated in LUAD and targeted by miR-96-5p. ARHGAP6 upregulation prominently restored promotion of miR-96-5p on cell progression. MiR-96-5p could stimulate LUAD progression through targeting ARHGAP6. This study generates a novel direction and lays a theoretical basis for targeted therapy.

Background The incidence and mortality of aortic dissection (AD) are increasing. In pathological studies, macrophages, T lymphocytes and dendritic cells were found in the tunica media of the aorta. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene polymorphisms are associated with a high incidence of hypertension in Asian populations. However, there is no clear evidence of the relationship between ALDH2 and aortic dissection in Asians. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of aortic dissection in different ALDH2 genotypes and explore changes in the vasculature. Materials and methods Three-week-old male mice were administered freshly prepared β-aminopropionitrile solution dissolved in drinking water (1 g/kg/d) for 28 days to induce TAD. An animal ultrasound imaging system was used to observe the formation of arterial dissection and changes in cardiac function. Subsequently, mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation. The aortas were fixed for HE staining and EVG staining to observe aortic elastic fiber tears and pseudoluma formation under a microscope. Results Knockout of ALDH2 mitigated β-aminopropionitrile-induced TAD formation in animal studies. Ultrasound results showed that ALDH2 knockout reduced the degree of ascending aortic widening and the incidence of aortic dissection rupture. Pathological sections of multiple aortic segments showed that the protective effect of ALDH2 knockout was observed in not only the ascending aorta but also the aortic arch and descending aorta. The expression levels of genes related to NK CD56bright cells, Th17 cells, T cells and T helper cells were decreased in ALDH2 knockout mice treated with β-aminopropionitrile for 28 days. Conclusion ALDH2 knockout protects against aortic dissection by altering the inflammatory response and immune response and protecting elastic fibers.

Background Increasing evidence indicates that the immune microenvironment plays a key role in the genesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to establish an immune-related gene (IRG) signature and determine its clinical prognostic value in patients with CRC. Methods The RNA sequencing and associated clinical data of CRC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We then screened for differentially expressed IRGs by intersecting with IRGs obtained from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal. Functional enrichment analyses were carried out to determine the potential biological functions and pathways of the IRGs. We also explored the specific molecular mechanisms of the IRGs by constructing regulatory networks. Prognostic IRGs were obtained by LASSO regression analysis, and subsequently, gene models were constructed in the TCGA dataset to confirm the predictive capacity of these IRGs. Finally, we used the TIMER tool to assess the immune properties of prognostic IRGs and correlate them with immune cells. Results We identified 409 differentially expressed IRGs in patients with CRC. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses suggested that these differentially expressed IRGs were significantly related to 102 cancer signalling pathways and various biological functions. Based on the prediction and interaction results, we obtained 59 TF–IRG, 48 miRNA–IRG, and 214 drug–IRG interaction networks for CRC. Four prognostic genes (POMC, TNFRSF19, FGF2, and SCG2) were developed by integrating 47 survival-related IRGs and 42 characteristic CRC genes. The results of gene model showed that patients in the low risk group had better survival outcomes compared to those in the high risk group. The expression of POMC, TNFRSF19, FGF2, and SCG2 was significantly correlated with immune cells. Conclusion This study identified some valid IRGs, and these findings can provide strong evidence for precision immunotherapy in patients with CRC.

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a leading cause of disability and mortality in soldiers during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although substantial clinical and animal studies have investigated the pathophysiology and treatments of bTBI, few effective therapies have been found, especially for the early rescue in the battlefield. The aim of this study is to evaluate neuroprotective effects of early normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) on bTBI. We established a rat model of bTBI caused by explosion in the cabin. It exhibited typical changes of mild bTBI, like impaired neurological function, brain edema, minor intracranial hemorrhage and neuron necrosis. The rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): Sham, Vehicle, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and NBO. Neurological function of the rats was assessed by the Neurological Severity Scores (NSS) at 24 h and 72 h after explosion. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and tau protein were measured at 24 h and 72 h after explosion. Brain water content was measured and Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) immunostaining was performed. Neuronal apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining. NBO demonstrated curative effects on protecting the neurological function. Serum levels of NSE and tau protein were reduced at 24 h and 72 h after explosion. But the levels of IL-6 were not reduced significantly at both time points. Cerebral edema was alleviated. Simultaneously, AQP4 immunostaining of the hippocampus showed remarkably decreased expression after treatment. The number of apoptotic cells in hippocampus was also decreased. Compared with HBO, NBO is simple and convenient, and can be administered in remote areas. It may be a promising therapy for early rescue of bTBI in the battlefield.

Pollution arising from ammonia volatilization in paddy fields could be reduced by using slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. In recent years, slow-release nitrogen fertilizers have been commonly used to replace conventional nitrogen fertilizers in the Taihu Lake region to reduce ammonia volatilization and improve nitrogen-use efficiency. To compare ammonia volatilization losses and examine the effects of different factors (N rates, types, field water NH4+, pH, and rainfall) between conventional nitrogen fertilizer and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, paddy field experiments were conducted using conventional urea and sulfur-coated urea (SCU) fertilizers. The results indicated that ammonia volatilization flux positively increased with N application rate following an exponent function and depended on field water NH4+ concentration and pH. The ammonia volatilization under SCU treatment was 37.95–70.48 kg/hm2, accounting for 40.66–52.86% of the fertilizer application rate. Compared with the same N input, the ammonia volatilization loss rate was 11.53–25.33% lower under the SCU treatment. Besides, SCU produced an unfavorable environment for ammonia volatilization, with a 1.15–2.61% decrease in pH and a 40.83–43.58% decrease in field water NH4+ concentration.

The impacts of biochar addition with nitrogen fertilizer (Urea-N) on greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes and grain yields are not comprehensively understood. Therefore, we designed a field experiment in an intensive rice–wheat cropping system located in the Taihu Lake region of China and measured CH4 and N2O emissions for 2 consecutive years to examine the impacts of biochar combined with N-fertilizer on rice production and GHG flux. Three field experimental treatments were designed: (1) no N-fertilizer application (N0); (2) 270 kg N ha−1 application (N270); and (3) 270 kg N-fertilizer ha−1 plus 25 t ha−1 biochar application (N270 + C). We found that, compared with urea application alone, biochar applied with Urea-N fertilizer increased N use efficiency (NUE) and resulted in more stable growth of rice yield. In addition, biochar addition increased CH4 emissions by 0.5–37.5% on average during the two consecutive rice-growing seasons, and decreased N2O–N loss by ~ 16.7%. During the first growing season, biochar addition did not significantly affect the global warming potential (GWPt) or the greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) of rice production (p > 0.05). By contrast, during the second rice-growing season, biochar application significantly increased GWPt and GHGI by 28.9% and 18.8%, respectively, mainly because of increased CH4 emissions. Our results suggest that biochar amendment could improve grain yields and NUE, and increased soil GWPt, resulting in a higher potential environmental cost, but that biochar additions enhance exogenous carbon sequestration by the soil, which could offset the increases in GHG emissions.

In this work, we reported a kind of low floating fiber, high-performance composites which were prepared by means of mixing polypropylene and polybutylene-1/glass fiber masterbatch. The polybutylene-1/glass fiber masterbatch prepared by coating method made the surface of glass fiber covered by a thin resin, and the as-prepared composites displayed significantly higher shear thinning, higher interface bonding strength, and lower crystallization temperature. The results of scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope showed that the coating process could effectively hinder the exposure of glass fiber. And, the composites at the PB-1 content of 10 wt% showed higher flexural strength (142.0 MPa) and tensile strength (69.6 MPa) than those for PP (41.3 MPa and 31.4 MPa, respectively). Moreover, the behavior of possible stacking arrangements inside the composites was inferred in this study.

Nitrogen (N) loss from paddy fields contributes to air and water pollution, which has been a serious challenge to agriculture and the environment. In situ field experiments were conducted to monitor ammonia (NH3) volatilization, surface runoff, and leaching loss in common nitrogen fertilizer and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer treatments. The total N loss by ammonia volatilization, leaching, and runoff was 38.27 ± 4.23~113.54 ± 7.66 kg ha−1 among the different treatments. Results indicated that slow-coated urea could reduce ammonia volatilization (24.69~29.54%), N surface runoff loss (20.05~25.37%), and leaching loss (21.86~38.05%) compared with common fertilizer. Of the different nitrogen loss pathways monitored in paddy fields, ammonia volatilization was the greatest (68.98~75.27% of the total N loss), followed by (in descending order) runoff (16.43~23.07%) and leaching (7.67~8.86%). Ammonia volatilization and N runoff loss were predominantly attributed to surface ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) concentration and precipitation. In addition, 42 ± 2.48% of N runoff loss was a result of wet deposition, while 58 ± 3.11% was attributed to nitrogen hydrolysis. There is obvious vertical nitrogen migration in the soil profile, among which NO3−-N leaching loss is the predominant form (69.94~90.12%).

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in Taizhou, China. Methods A single center retrospective observational study was performed between Jan 1, 2020 and Mar 11, 2020 at Taizhou Public Health Medical Center, Zhejiang, China. All patients with confirmed Corona Virus Disease 2019 were enrolled, and their clinical data were gathered by reviewing electronic medical records. Outcomes of severely ill patients and non-severely ill patients were compared. Results Of 145 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the average age was 47.5 years old (standard deviation, 14.6) and 54.5% were men. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (15.2%), followed by diabetes mellitus (9.7%). Common symptoms included dry cough (81.4%), fever (75.2%), anorexia (42.8%), fatigue (40.7%), chest tightness (32.4%), diarrhea (26.9%) and dizziness (20%). According to imaging examination, 79.3% patients showed bilateral pneumonia, 18.6% showed unilateral pneumonia, 61.4% showed ground-glass opacity, and 2.1% showed no abnormal result. Compared with non-severely ill patients, severely ill patients were older (mean, years, 52.8 vs. 45.3, p p = 0.08), had a higher body mass index (mean, 24.78 vs. 23.20, p = 0.02) and were more likely to have fever (90.7% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.01), anorexia (60.5% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.01), chest tightness (60.5% vs.20.6%, p p = 0.03). Of the 43 severely ill patients, 6 (14%) received high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, and 1 (2.3%) received invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusions Older patients or patients with comorbidities such as obesity or diabetes mellitus were more likely to have severe condition. Treatments of COVID-19 is still experimental and more clinical trials are needed.

Large amounts of atmospheric N deposition cause negative effects on ecosystems. Effective mitigation strategies require the sources of N deposition to be identified and the contributions from individual sources to be quantified. Determination of the isotopic composition represents a useful approach in source apportionment. In this study, the δ15N-NHx of wet and dry atmospheric deposition and the main NH3 emission sources were analyzed at an urban, a suburban and a rural site in the Taihu Lake region of China. The 2-year average δ15N- $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ of precipitation was − 3.0 ± 2.3, − 3.1 ± 2.8 and − 0.5 ± 2.8‰ for the urban, suburban and rural sites, respectively. These values were much lower than the corresponding values for particulate $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ (15.9, 15.2 and 14.3‰ at the urban, suburban and rural sites, respectively), and much higher than those of gaseous δ15N-NH3 (− 16.7, − 18.2 and − 17.4‰ at the urban, suburban and rural sites, respectively). The δ15N-NH3 of NH3 from the main emission sources ranged from − 30.8 to − 3.3‰ for volatilized fertilizer, from − 35.1 to − 10.5‰ for emissions from a pig farm, and − 24.7 to − 11.3‰ for emissions from a dairy farm. Temporal variations of deposition δ15N-NHx indicated that δ15N-NHx values were lower in summer and autumn, but higher in winter and spring for both precipitation $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ -N and gaseous NH3-N. Weather conditions such as temperature and precipitation significantly influenced the spatial and temporal distribution of isotope values of the deposition. Analysis of δ15N-NHx in deposition and emission sources identified volatilized fertilizer and livestock wastes as the origins of both gaseous NH3-N and precipitation $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ -N over the region. A stable isotope mixing model estimated that volatilized fertilizer and animal excreta contributed more than 65% to precipitation $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ -N, more than 60% to particulate $$ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } $$ -N, and more than 75% to gaseous NH3-N.

The leaves of the chrysanthemum variety 'NAU04-1-31-1' are variegated with distinct green and yellow sectors. The chlorophyll content of the yellow leaf tissue is less than that in the green one. The chloroplasts in the yellow leaf tissue were vacuolated, lacked thylakoid membrane structure and contained clusters of plastoglobuli with few or no starch grains. The yellow leaf tissue was more sensitive to photo-inhibition than the green leaf tissue. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSHs) libraries were constructed to identify genes which were differentially transcribed in the two tissue types. The sequencing of 339 SSH clones identified 150 unigenes (93 singletons and 57 contigs), of which 85 were differentially transcribed in the green leaf tissue and 65 in the yellow leaf tissue. Unigenes associated with photosynthesis were particularly frequent, and many of these genes were up-regulated in the yellow leaf tissue. Both CmChlH which encodes the large subunit of Mg-chelatase and CmFtsH (ATP-dependent metalloprotease) were up-regulated in the yellow leaf tissue, and their transcription was regulated by light.

High purity anatase nano-TiO2 powders with high photocatalytic activity were prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum were adopted to characterize the catalyst. Effects of temperature, time and sol concentration of hydrothermal synthesis on particle size and phases were investigated. Photocatalytic activities in the degradation of Rhodamine B Dye were studied. The experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity of the nano-TiO2 powers was much higher than that of P25 (Degussa).

The effects of microwave sintering and conventional H2 sintering on the microstructure and properties of W-15Cu alloy using ultrafine W-15Cu composite powder fabricated by spray drying & calcining-continuous reduction technology were investigated. In comparison to the conventional H2 sintering processing, microwave sintering to W-15Cu can be achieved at lower sintering temperature and shorter sintering time. Furthermore, higher performances in microwave sintered compacts were obtained, but high microwave sintering temperature or long microwave sintering time could result in coarser microstructures.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/TiO2/C60 composite catalysts were prepared by hydrothermal method. TiO2 was deposited on the MWCNT surface. Their photocatalytic activities for degradation of Rhodamine B dye were studied. X-ray diffraction, field emission transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectrum and photoluminescence spectrum were carried out to characterize the composite catalysts. The results indicated that MWCNTs and C60 could greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.

The effects of activated sintering technology of H2 atmosphere sintering on the microstructure and properties of W-15Cu alloy using ultrafine W-15Cu composite powder fabricated by spray drying & calcining-continuous reduction technology were investigated. The experimental results showed that W-15Cu alloy, consolidated by activated sintering technology of H2 atmosphere sintering for 1 h at 1300 °C, with 98.5 % relative density, transverse rupture strength 1218 MPa, Vickers hardness HV0.5 378, average grain size about 1.2 μm and thermal conductivity 192 W/m·K, was obtained. In comparison to the normal sintering process, activated sintering process to W-15Cu alloy could be achieved at lower sintering temperature. Furthermore, better properties in activated sintered compacts were obtained, and activated sintering process resulted in finer microstructure and excellent properties.

ABA triblock copolymers were synthesized by dihydroxyl-capped PEO initiated enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (eROP) of e-CL in the presence of biocatalyst Novozyme 435. The chains ended with hydroxyl of block copolymers were modified by the esterification of 2,2-dichloro acetyl chloride (DCAC) to obtain the tetrafunctional macroinitiator, which was used in the ATRP of 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP). CuCl/HMTETA was used as the catalyst system in the ATRP of 4-VP to acquire the H-shaped block copolymers (PVP)2-b-PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL-b-(PVP)2. The H-shaped block copolymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, and GPC. Copolymers with high molecular weights (Mn = 46121 g/mol) and low polydispersities (Mw/Mn = 1.30) were prepared. Moreover, the morphology of the copolymer was examined with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Spherical micelles with a diameter of 70 nm in aqueous solution were obtained.

Y-shaped diblock copolymer polycaprolactone-block-(polystyrene)2 [PCL-b-(PSt)2] was synthesized successfully by the combination of enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (eROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). CH3O-terminated PCL was synthesized firstly by eROP of e-caprolactone (e-CL) in the presence of biocatalyst Novozyme 435 and initiator CH3OH, subsequently the resulting PCL was converted to macroinitiator by the esterification of it with 2,2-dichloro acetyl chloride (DCAC). PCL-b-(PSt)2 diblock copolymers were synthesized in an ATRP of the styrene with CuCl/2,2′-bipyridine as the catalyst system. The kinetic analysis of ATRP indicated a controlled/‘living’ radical polymerization. The structure and composition of obtained polymers were characterized with NMR, GPC and FTIR. The thermal behavior was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

The synthesis of well-defined H-shaped block copolymer based on the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (eROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is described. The dihydroxyl polycaprolactone (PCL) was synthesized by the eROP of e-caprolactone (e-CL) in the presence biocatalyst Novozyme 435 and initiator ethylene glycol. Subsequently, the resulting PCL was converted to tetrafunctional macroinitiator by the esterification with 2,2-dichloro acetyl chloride (DCAC). The H-shaped block copolymer was then synthesized by the ATRP of styrene. The polymers were characterized by NMR and GPC. Linear first-order kinetics, linearly increasing molecular weight with conversion, and low polydispersities observed from the ATRP of St showed that the polymerization was well controlled. (PSt)2-b-PCL-b-(PSt)2 block copolymers with varying molecular weight and controllable composition were obtained.

Several diamide derivates were synthesized in our laboratory. The extraction of actinides and some fission products by these compounds were studied. N,N,N’,N’-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-oxa pentanediamide [TEHOPDA) was proven to be a suitable extractant for the removal of actinides from nitric acid solution. The actinides can be stripped from the loaded solvent by the dilute nitric acid. TEHOPDA showed a high loading capacity to actinides and lanthanides with a mixture of n-octanol and kerosene as the diluent. Considering the effective-extraction and easy-stripping of actinides, 0.25 mol/l TEHOPDA — 30% n-octanol + 70% kerosene was selected as the solvent. A cascade extraction experiment was carried out with the simulated dissolver solution of spend fuel as feed. 99.99% U and 99.999% Am, Pu, and Np were extracted in a 4-stage test. Based on the experimental results, a conceptual reprocessing process was proposed.

Homopolymer and macromolecule-metal complexes (MMC) brushes on silicon wafers were successfully synthesized by the combination of self-assembly of the monolayer of initiator, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and coordination to metal ions. The initiator monolayer attached to silicon wafers was prepared by self-assembly of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane followed by amidation with α-bromopropionyl bromide, and permitted subsequent surface-initiated ATRP of butyl methacrylate (BMA) and acrylamide (AAM). From atomic force microscope (AFM) images it could be observed that the surface of poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) brushes was uniform, while the surface of polyacrylamide (PAAM) brushes grew a large number of nanoscale protrusions. After coordination to metal ions, Pb2+ and Cd2+, MMC brushes of PAAM were formed, while the nanoprotrusions with different sizes and densities were observed on the surface of MMC brushes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine a molar ratio of 2.80C:1.00O: 0.75N for the PAAM brushes, in good agreement with the value (3.00C:1.00O:1.00N) based on the monomer AAM. Moreover, the occurrence of the new XPS signals of metal ions Pb2+ (139.1 and 143.8 eV) and Cd2+ (405.4 and 412.5 eV) verified the formation of the MMC brushes.

The polyester poly(1,10-decanediol /1, 10-sebacate) (PSD) was synthesized by means of Novozyme 435 catalyzed condensation polymerization of 1,10-decanediol and 1,10-sebacic acid. Both hydroxyl chain ends of the resulting PSD were modified by esterification with α-bromopropionyl bromide to obtain difunctional macroinitiator, which was subsequently used in the ATRP of St using CuCl/2, 2′-bipyridine (bpy) as the catalyst system to afford the triblock copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(1,10-decanediol/1,10-sebacate)-block-polystyrene (PSt-b-PSD-b-PSt). Molecular weight distribution and structure of the resulting triblock copolymer was confirmed by Waters 410 Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and measurements of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brushes were grown from flat silicon wafers with surface-tethered α-bromoester initiator via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in aqueous media at ambient temperature first. Kinetics studies revealed an approximate linear increase in thickness with reaction time, indicating that the polymerization process owned some “living” character. Then a kind of polymer-metal complexes (PMCs) were obtained after the introduction of Cu2+ cations into the PHEMA brushes by the complexing bond between Cu2+ cations and the hydroxyl groups in PHEMA brushes. Finally, the Cu2+ cations in PMCs were reduced by NaBH4 and a kind of PHEMA brushes containing metal nanoparticles of Cu0 was formed.

The diblock copolymers poly(10-hydroxydecanoic acid)-block-polystyrene (PHDA-b-PSt) were synthesized by combining enzymatic condensation polymerization of 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (HDA) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene (St). PHDA was firstly obtained via enzymatic condensation polymerization catalyzed by Novozyme-435. Subsequently one end of poly(10-hydroxydecanoic acid) (PHDA) chains was modified by reaction with α-bromopropionyl bromide and the other was protected by chlorotrimethylsilane (TMSCL), respectively, the resulting monofunctional macroinitiator was used in the ATRP of St using CuCl/2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) as the catalyst system to afford the diblock copolymers including biodegradable PHDA blocks and well-defined PSt blocks.

A new method is reported for synthesizing AB-type diblock copolymer polycaprolactone-block-polystyrene (PCL-b-PSt) from a novel bifunctional initiator 2.2.2-trichloroethanol (TCE) by combining two different polymerization techniques: enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Trichloromethyl terminated PCL was prepared by enzymatic ROP of e-caprolactone (e-CL) in the presence of Novozyme-435 and TCE as biocatalyst and initiator, respectively, and subsequently employed in ATRP of styrene (St) using CuCl/2, 2′-bipyridine (bpy) as the catalyst system. The GPC and NMR analysis indicated the formation of the diblock copolymer including the biodegradable PCL block and the well-defined PSt block.