Temperature-triggered enzyme immobilization and release based on cross-linked gelatin nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Enzyme Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Enzyme immobilization is crucial for industrial applications, enhancing stability and reusability.
• Developing smart materials for controlled enzyme release remains a challenge.
• Gelatin nanoparticles offer biocompatibility and tunable properties for such systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel enzyme immobilization system using cross-linked gelatin nanoparticles (CLGNs).
• To investigate the temperature-triggered immobilization and release of glucoamylase using CLGNs.
• To evaluate the efficiency of different immobilization methods (adsorption vs. entrapment) with CLGNs.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of CLGNs via coacervation.
• Characterization of CLGN morphology and size using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering.
• Quantification of glucoamylase loading efficiency through adsorption and entrapment.
• Assessment of temperature-triggered enzyme release at varying temperatures.

Main Results:

• CLGNs were spherical with an average diameter of 155±5 nm.
• Glucoamylase loading efficiencies were 59.9% (entrapment) and 24.7% (adsorption).
• Temperature-triggered release of glucoamylase occurred above 40°C with 99.3% efficiency for the adsorption method; no release was observed for entrapment.
• Immobilized enzyme retained high activity.

Conclusions:

• CLGNs serve as an effective matrix for temperature-triggered enzyme immobilization and release.
• The adsorption immobilization method combined with CLGNs is particularly promising for controlled enzyme delivery.
• This system offers a viable strategy for enhancing enzyme application efficiency and control.