Recent advances in exploiting ionic liquids for biomolecules: Solubility, stability and applications

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional organic solvents and water limit the utility of biomolecules like proteins, enzymes, and DNA.
• Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as promising "green" and "designer" solvents with unique properties.
• ILs offer potential for enhanced stability and novel applications of biomolecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent technological advancements in utilizing ionic liquids (ILs) for biomolecule applications.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing biomolecule stability and activity within ILs.
• To highlight the design of ILs that are compatible with biomolecules, preserving their structure and function.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ionic liquids in biocatalysis, biotransformation, and biomolecule stabilization.
• Analysis of different approaches to improve biomolecule performance in ILs.
• Discussion of IL design principles for optimal biomolecule solubility and structural integrity.

Main Results:

• Ionic liquids significantly enhance the structural and chemical stability of proteins, enzymes, and DNA.
• ILs can be employed as solvents, co-solvents, and reagents, expanding biomolecule applications.
• Specific IL designs can achieve high biomolecule solubility with minimal structural alteration.

Conclusions:

• Ionic liquids represent a powerful tool for advancing biotechnology and biological sciences.
• IL-based processes offer novel and selective methods for enzymatic reactions and biomolecule stabilization.
• Further development of biomolecule-friendly ILs will drive innovation in bio-based applications.