Light-triggered biocatalysis using thermophilic enzyme-gold nanoparticle complexes

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Plasmonic nanoparticle complexes show promise for biomedical applications like imaging and therapy.
• Controlling biochemical pathways noninvasively using nanoparticles remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate light-induced activation of enzymes using plasmonic nanoparticles.
• To explore the potential of nanoparticle-enzyme conjugates for controlling biochemical reactions.

Main Methods:

• Conjugating the thermophilic enzyme Aeropyrum pernix glucokinase onto gold nanorods.
• Encapsulating the nanocomplexes within calcium alginate beads.
• Measuring enzyme activity and local temperature changes upon light exposure.

Main Results:

• Light exposure increased glucokinase reaction rates by 60%.
• A local temperature increase of approximately 20 °C was observed within the encapsulate.
• The encapsulated nanocomplexes demonstrated reusability and stability over several days.

Conclusions:

• Light-activated plasmonic nanoparticle-enzyme conjugates offer a novel method for controlling biochemical pathways.
• This approach has potential for both in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications.
• The reusability and stability suggest industrial utility.