Rice bran nanofiber composites for stabilization of phytase

This study explores the potential application of rice bran (agro waste) to nano-encapsulate phytase, which is a thermally unstable biologically active enzyme. Rice bran was converted to nanofibers (20-50 nm in diameter) using electrospinning. After optimizing the pH, viscosity, voltage and the distance between electrodes for electrospinning, phytase enzyme was encapsulated and the fibers were cross-linked using sodium tripolyphosphate. Thermal stability of phytase enzyme was improved by 90 °C when they are encapsulated and cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate. The activity of the phytase enzyme was monitored at different temperatures. The activity of the pure enzyme was lost at 80 °C while the enzyme encapsulated into nanofibers demonstrated the activity up to 170 °C. This study opens up many opportunities for nanotechnology value addition to many waste materials and also to improve the properties of a range of biomaterials through a sustainable approach.