title: Synthesis of polymeric microcapsule arrays and their use for enzyme immobilization.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Parthasarathy
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002214:Capsules / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D002384:Catalysis; D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized / Q000737:chemistry*; D005949:Glucose Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010539:Permeability; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013381:Subtilisins / Q000737:chemistry; D013698:Templates, Genetic
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized; D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D005949:Glucose Oxidase; D002374:Catalase; D013381:Subtilisins