Amphiphilic network as nanoreactor for enzymes in organic solvents.

Abstract

Enzymes are powerful biocatalysts that work naturally in water but are also active in organic solvents. Here, we present a nanophase-separated amphiphilic network, where an enzyme is entrapped into its hydrophilic domains. A substrate that diffuses into the other, hydrophobic, phase of such a network can access the biocatalyst via the extremely large interface. Entrapped horseradish peroxidase and chloroperoxidase showed dramatically increased activity and operational stability compared to the native enzymes.