Biocatalysis by sol-gel entrapped enzymes

Sergei Braun*, Sarah Shtelzer, Sara Rappoport, David Avnir, Michael Ottolenghi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

156 Scopus citations

Abstract

Attachment of enzymes to insoluble matrix is an essential step in the development of biocatalysts. Transparent xerogels containing various enzymes were obtained by mixing a solution of an enzyme with tetra-methoxy orthosilicate (TMOS) at room temperature followed by gelation and drying. Effective immobilization was usually obtained at initial pH values > 7, where there is a change in the gelation mechanism from predominant hydrolysis/condensation to predominant direct polymerization of silicate precursors. The properties of sol-gel matrix, namely, transparency, large hydrophilic surface and good chemical and thermal stability, make it an ideal material for both biocatalysts and optical sensor devices. An example of a simple optical glucose sensor is demonstrated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)739-743
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids
Volume147-148
Issue numberC
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

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