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Development of 3D Printed Enzymatic Microreactors for Lipase-Catalyzed Reactions in Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Media
Myrto G Bellou1, Elena Gkantzou1, Anastasia Skonta1
1Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
Micromachines
|November 24, 2022
Summary
This study developed 3D-printed immobilized enzyme microreactors for biocatalysis using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES). The system demonstrated high stability and reusability for enzyme-catalyzed reactions, enhancing productivity in continuous flow processes.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Enzyme immobilization is crucial for reusable biocatalysts.
- Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) offer a promising medium for enzymatic reactions.
- Microreactor technology enhances reaction efficiency and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D-printed immobilized enzyme microreactors for biocatalytic applications.
- To evaluate the performance of immobilized lipase in DES media.
- To assess the stability and reusability of the developed microreactors.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 3D printing to fabricate polylactic acid (PLA) microwell plates and microfluidic reactors.
- Covalently immobilizing Candida antarctica Lipase B (CALB) onto modified reactor surfaces.
- Investigating enzyme activity, stability, and kinetics in various DES, including Betaine: Glycerol (Bet:Gly).
- Performing hydrolysis and trans-esterification reactions under batch and continuous flow conditions.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed microreactors with immobilized CALB showed high stability and reusability in DES.
- Betaine: Glycerol (Bet:Gly) DES enhanced substrate accessibility and minimized diffusion limitations.
- Enzyme activity was preserved for 30 days at 60 °C in 100% Bet:Gly DES.
- Continuous flow trans-esterification achieved 23 times higher productivity compared to batch processes.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed immobilized enzyme microreactors are effective for biocatalysis in DES media.
- The developed system demonstrates robustness for both hydrolytic and synthetic applications.
- DES enhances enzyme stability and microreactor performance, paving the way for optimized biocatalytic processes.
