Title: Activity of sol-gel encapsulated model enzymes
Authors: Fatima Pino1 and Eva Chi1
Affiliations: 1Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, University of New Mexico
Abstract: Proteins are essential for life and are being increasingly utilized in engineering applications such as biosensors, bio-fuel cells, and biopharmaceuticals. A major challenge in these applications is the adequate stabilization of proteins, which is difficult because proteins are only marginally stable and are prone to degradations. Encapsulating proteins in a suitable matrix is a promising method to stabilize proteins as the matrix can effectively prevent protein unfolding and aggregation. We have previously shown that a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based sol-gel method can effectively encapsulate model enzymes in a highly porous silica matrix. Additionally, the encapsulated enzyme retained their native structure and exhibit increased thermal stability. The current study focuses on evaluating the biological activity of the encapsulated lysozyme. A Micrococcus lysodeikticus substrate-based assay is used to evaluate lysozyme activity. The activities of lysozyme encapsulated in silica matrix and lysozyme released from silica matrix will be determined and compared to that in solution. Since the CVD-based encapsulation method adequately preserved the structure of lysozyme, we expect that the activity of lysozyme would be preserved as well. Future study will explore the use of different additives during encapsulation, e.g., osmolytes that can further stabilize proteins in the silica matrix.