Enhancing Multi-Enzyme Cascade Activity in Metal-Organic Frameworks via Controlled Enzyme Encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Conventional layer-by-layer methods for multi-enzyme core-shell structures are complex and time-consuming.
• Intermediate isolation in multi-step enzyme encapsulation processes presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a streamlined sequential strategy for controlled multi-enzyme encapsulation within metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
• To achieve a core-shell structure with distinct enzyme positioning without intermediate isolation.
• To evaluate the efficiency and stability of encapsulated multi-enzyme systems for biocatalysis.

Main Methods:

• A sequential encapsulation strategy within MOFs was developed.
• Synchrotron Terahertz-Far-Infrared (THz-Far-IR) spectroscopy was utilized to monitor the enzyme encapsulation process.
• The method was applied to two- and three-enzyme cascade systems.

Main Results:

• The sequential strategy successfully achieved distinct enzyme positioning within MOFs via co-precipitation and biomineralization.
• Multi-enzyme cascade activity was significantly enhanced compared to conventional methods due to optimal spatial arrangement and increased surface area.
• Encapsulated enzymes demonstrated enhanced stability against high temperatures, proteolysis, and organic solvents, with excellent reusability.

Conclusions:

• The developed sequential encapsulation strategy offers an efficient and robust method for creating advanced multi-enzyme core-shell structures in MOFs.
• This approach significantly improves enzyme cascade performance and stability, showing great potential for industrial biocatalytic applications.
• The use of THz-Far-IR spectroscopy provides valuable real-time monitoring of the encapsulation process.