Bioencapsulation within synthetic polymers (Part 2): non-sol-gel protein-polymer biocomposites.
Since the introduction of sol-gel bioencapsulation and the demonstration that biological function can be incorporated into, and preserved within, polymer matrices, a number of alternative polymers have been used to immobilize proteins. Various enzymes have been trapped in such diverse polymers as epoxy-amine resins, polyvinyl plastics, polyurethane foams and silicone elastomers. Together with sol-gel encapsulates, these biocomposites represent a powerful approach for immobilizing biological materials for applications as biosensors and biocatalysts, and hold promise as bioactive, fouling-resistant polymers for environmental, food and medical uses. Although still at the developmental stage, these biocomposites promise to revolutionize the whole arena of high-performance bioimmobilization.
Gill
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Biotransformations Department, Biotechnology Center of Excellence, Roche Vitamins Inc., Building 102, Nutley, NJ 07110-1199, USA. iqbal_s.gill@roche.com
Ballesteros
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D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001709:Biotechnology; D002214:Capsules; D002384:Catalysis; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods*; D004355:Drug Stability; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D005782:Gels; D010969:Plastics; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D011506:Proteins; D012828:Silicones
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D005782:Gels; D010969:Plastics; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D012828:Silicones