2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
Polymerization of Single-Enzyme Nanogels Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Enzymes are the most powerful catalytic systems in nature, but their activity is compromised under adverse conditions like high temperatures, non-physiological pH, and organic solvents. One way to increase enzyme stability is by creating single-enzyme nanogels (SENs). SENs are nanobiocatalysts where an enzyme is encapsulated by a hydrophilic polymer network. This polymeric nanostructure provides stability in conditions that typically cause enzyme denaturation and offers potential applications in drug delivery and diagnostics. However, the reaction conditions necessary for obtaining SENs could affect enzyme integrity. It was hypothesized that using sugar-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) during SEN polymerization could improve their stability. In this project, SENs of glucose oxidase were made with and without DESs. Preliminary results show that sugar-based DESs enhance the stability and yields of SENs, improving glucose oxidase's ability to function under conditions that would typically cause denaturation.