Cross-Linked Enzyme-Adhered Nanoparticles (CLEANs) for Continuous-Flow Bioproduction

• Published in: ChemSusChem
• Main Authors: Nagy, Flóra, Bell, Evelin, Jipa, Monica, Hornyánszky, Gábor, Szilágyi, András Ferenc, Nagyné László, Krisztina, Katona, Gabriel, Paizs, Csaba, Poppe, László, Balogh Weiser, Diána
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: QD Chemistry / kémia; QD02 Physical chemistry / fizikai kémia; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://real.mtak.hu/174582/; http://real.mtak.hu/174582/1/ChemSusChem-2022.pdf; https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202102284

Nanostructured but micro-sized biocatalysts were created by bottom-up technology using multi-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NPs) as nano-sized building blocks to form cross-linked enzyme-adhered nanoparticles (CLEANs) as robust micro-sized particles with beneficial internal structure and good mechanical properties. Systematic surface modification of NPs with a grafting mixture consisting of organosilanes with reactive (aminopropyl) and inert (e. g., vinyl, propyl, phenyl, or octyl) functions resulted in functional NPs enabling cross-linking agents, such as glutardialdehyde or bisepoxides (glycerol diglycidyl ether, neopentylglycol diglycidyl ether, and poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether), to bind and cross-link enzymes covalently and to form macroporous microparticles. These CLEANs were able to diminish several weaknesses of traditional cross-linked enzyme aggregates as biocatalysts, such as poor mechanical resistance, difficult recovery, and storage, strengthening their use for packed-bed enzyme reactors. Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CaLB) was selected as model enzyme for development of robust CLEANs, which were successfully tested for various industrially relevant applications including a kinetic resolution of a racemic alcohol and the production of various natural fragrance compounds under continuous-flow conditions.