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Synthesis of polymeric microcapsule arrays and their use for enzyme immobilization

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Abstract

CURRENT methods for immobilizing enzymes for use in bioreactors and biosensors1–20 include adsorption on or covalent attachment to a support2–4, micro-encapsulation5,6, and entrapment within a membrane/film7,8,11–20 or gel9. 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.

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  1. Charles R. Martin: To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA

    Ranjani V. Parthasarathy & Charles R. Martin

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  1. Ranjani V. Parthasarathy
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  2. Charles R. Martin
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Parthasarathy, R., Martin, C. Synthesis of polymeric microcapsule arrays and their use for enzyme immobilization. Nature 369, 298–301 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/369298a0

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