Amphipathic Janus Membrane with Hierarchical Multiscale Hyperporous Structure for Interfacial Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Designing multiscale porous structures in membranes is a significant challenge.
• Block copolymers (BCPs) offer self-assembly capabilities for creating complex nanostructures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize an amphipathic Janus membrane with a hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structure.
• To immobilize Candida Rugosa Lipase (CRL) for enhanced interfacial catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a Janus membrane using polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS4VP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blocks.
• Utilizing self-assembly of BCPs to create nanopores within macroporous channels.
• Immobilization of CRL within the PS4VP nanopores via injection.

Main Results:

• The Janus membrane exhibited distinct hydrophobic (PVDF) and hydrophilic (PS4VP) sides with integrated nanopores.
• Immobilized CRL was effectively suspended at organic-aqueous interfaces.
• The immobilized lipase showed three times higher specific activity compared to free lipase.
• Enzyme stability was high, with over 90% relative activity retained after 10 reuse cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed Janus membrane provides a facile and unique platform for hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structures.
• This membrane design significantly enhances enzyme performance and stability in interfacial catalysis.
• The study demonstrates a promising approach for advanced membrane applications in biocatalysis.