Dual Responsive Molecular-Arm Modified Single Enzyme Molecules for Efficient Cellulose Hydrolysis.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Enzyme immobilization is crucial for cost-effective biomass conversion.
• Challenges exist in achieving high mass transfer and efficient separation of cellulase from cellulose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a single-enzyme molecular modification method for cellulase.
• To impart temperature-pH dual responsive properties to cellulase for improved hydrolysis and recyclability.

Main Methods:

• Systematic poly(acrylic-acrylonitrile) (PAA-PAN) molecular arms were used to modify cellulase.
• The modified cellulase exhibits reversible liquid-solid phase transitions.

Main Results:

• Modified cellulase shows hydrolysis efficiency comparable to free cellulase.
• Over 60% of enzyme activity was retained after 15 hydrolysis batches.
• Efficient separation of cellulase and glucose products was achieved in the solid phase.

Conclusions:

• The PAA-PAN modification provides a viable strategy for enzyme immobilization.
• This method significantly reduces the cost of cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis.
• The dual-responsive cellulase enhances both hydrolysis efficiency and recyclability.