Biocatalytic performance of pH-sensitive magnetic nanoparticles derived from layer-by-layer ionic self-assembly of...

Based on the characteristics of polycations of chitosan and glucoamylase, which are oppositely charged, they were successfully alternatingly deposited onto the surface of aldehyde-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles by using a layer-by-layer ion exchange method to form magnetic carriers to construct multilayer films (designated as Fe3O4@(CS/GA)n). The (CS/GA)n film systems were endowed with the pH-dependent properties of chitosan as well as the catalytic activity of glucoamylase. The changes in weight loss and surface chemistry, morphology, and magnetic sensitivity were monitored and verified by UV/Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, TEM, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Subsequently, the influence of the number of bilayers, storage stability, pH, temperature, and reusability of Fe3O4@(CS/GA)5 biocatalysts on catalytic activity were investigated. The results from characterization and determination remarkably indicate that Fe3O4@(CS/GA)5 presents excellent catalytic activity, storage stability, pH stability, and reusability in comparison with free enzyme. Fe3O4@(CS/GA)5 retained >60% of its initial activity at 65 °C over 6 h; the optimum temperature and pH also increased to the ranges of 45-65 °C and 2.5-3.5, respectively, and only 27% activity was lost after 10 cycles. This new strategy simplifies the reaction protocol and improves encapsulation efficiency and catalytic activity for new potential applications in biotechnology.