title: Light-triggered biocatalysis using thermophilic enzyme-gold nanoparticle complexes.
abstract: The use of plasmonic nanoparticle complexes for biomedical applications such as imaging, gene therapy, and cancer treatment is a rapidly emerging field expected to significantly improve conventional medical practices. In contrast, the use of these types of nanoparticles to noninvasively trigger biochemical pathways has been largely unexplored. Here we report the light-induced activation of the thermophilic enzyme Aeropyrum pernix glucokinase, a key enzyme for the decomposition of glucose via the glycolysis pathway, increasing its rate of reaction 60% with light by conjugating the enzyme onto Au nanorods. The observed increase in enzyme activity corresponded to a local temperature increase within a calcium alginate encapsulate of ~20 °C when compared to the bulk medium maintained at standard, nonthermophilic temperatures. The encapsulated nanocomplexes were reusable and stable for several days, making them potentially useful in industrial applications. This approach could significantly improve how biochemical pathways are controlled for in vitro and, quite possibly, in vivo use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Blankschien
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Pretzer
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huschka
authors.forename: Naomi J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Halas
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D019843:Archaeal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D002384:Catalysis; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000528:radiation effects; D005941:Glucokinase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D019843:Archaeal Proteins; D006046:Gold; D005941:Glucokinase