2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
Establishing Enzyme-Loaded Eutectogels
Enzymes are natural catalysts with remarkable selectivity and specificity in biological reactions, but their use outside biological systems is limited. Utilizing an appropriate supporting medium for immobilization presents an appealing approach which allows the confinement of the enzymes with cofactors or chemical catalysts, enhancing the stability of enzymes in harsh conditions and offers synergistic catalytic activity from natural (enzymes) and artificial (inorganic) components. Eutectogels, recently gaining attention due to their unique properties, therapeutic activity, ease of preparation, low cost, low volatility, and environmental friendliness, serve as an excellent support medium. My project involves encapsulating Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in eutectogels made from therapeutic deep eutectic solvents Menthol: Lactic Acid and sugar-based eutectic solvents Xylitol: Glycerol and Sorbitol: Choline Chloride with low molecular weight gelator 1,3:2,4-Dibenzylidene-d-sorbitol (DBS). These enzyme/eutectogel hybrids catalyze peroxidation reactions using hydrogen peroxide as a substrate, showcasing their effectiveness in non-biological reactions.