Synthesis of polymeric microcapsule arrays and their use for enzyme immobilization

Nature. 1994 May 26;369(6478):298-301. doi: 10.1038/369298a0.

Abstract

Current methods for immobilizing enzymes for use in bioreactors and biosensors include adsorption on or covalent attachment to a support, micro-encapsulation, and entrapment within a membrane/film or gel. The ideal immobilization method should employ mild chemical conditions, allow for large quantities of enzyme to be immobilized, provide a large surface area for enzyme-substrate contact within a small total volume, minimize barriers to mass transport of substrate and product, and provide a chemically and mechanically robust system. Here we describe a method for enzyme immobilization that satisfies all of these criteria. We have developed a template-based synthetic method that yields hollow polymeric microcapsules of uniform diameter and length. These microcapsules are arranged in a high-density array in which the individual capsules protrude from a surface like the bristles of a brush. We have developed procedures for filling these microcapsules with high concentrations of enzymes. The enzyme-loaded microcapsule arrays function as enzymatic bioreactors in both aqueous solution and organic solvents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Capsules / chemical synthesis*
  • Capsules / chemistry
  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Catalysis
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / chemistry*
  • Glucose Oxidase / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Permeability
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Subtilisins / chemistry
  • Templates, Genetic

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase
  • Glucose Oxidase
  • Catalase
  • Subtilisins