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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method
Published on: August 1, 2018
Bioinspired silk-catechol-enzyme co-assemblies as jigsaw-designed conformation-locking bioactive-biocatalytic
Jiahui Hao1, Yuling Zhang1, Haiying Luo1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, PR China.
Bioactive Materials
|June 15, 2026
Summary
We developed a versatile platform using silk fibroin and protocatechualdehyde to immobilize enzymes, enhancing their stability and enabling diverse bio-applications. This adaptable system ensures enzymes retain activity and function in various formats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Enzyme Immobilization
- Sustainable Catalysis
Background:
- Soluble enzymes are costly and unstable for industrial use.
- Existing enzyme immobilization methods lack adaptability and broad material compatibility.
- A need exists for robust platforms that preserve enzyme structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a facile and general platform for enzyme immobilization.
- To enhance enzyme stability, conformation, and functional adaptability.
- To develop bioactive materials for diverse bio-applications.
Main Methods:
- Co-assembly of silk fibroin (SF), protocatechualdehyde (PA), and enzymes.
- Utilizing mussel-inspired PA for enzyme conformational locking and anchoring.
- Programming assemblies into coatings, films, hydrogels, and nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Achieved exceptional enzyme stability (20 cycles at 50°C, 47.7% activity after 1-year storage).
- Demonstrated universal adhesion to various surfaces (solids, MOFs, liquid metals).
- Enabled diverse functionalities including biomimetic mineralization, antioxidation, and antibacterial activity.
Conclusions:
- The modular SF-PA platform offers a versatile blueprint for robust, catalytically bioactive materials.
- This adaptable system significantly enhances enzyme stability and broadens immobilization possibilities.
- The platform shows promise for advanced bio-applications, including improved biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects.
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