(366a) Enzymes Supported in Mesoporous Molecular Sieve Fibers

The fixation of biologically active species onto inorganic materials would combine the high selectivity of enzymatic reactions with the chemical and mechanical properties of the support. This blend has brought to light many new applications in the fields of biofuel cells, chemical sensing and biocatalysis. Molecular sieves as support materials offer interesting properties, such as high surface areas, hydrophobic or hydrophilic behavior and electrostatic interactions, as well as, mechanical and chemical resistance which makes them attractive for enzyme immobilization. Emerging applications have generated a greater demand for new ways to manipulate and configure these nanoporous materials. The required form of a molecular sieve may involve dramatically different length scales, ranging from shaped particles to fibers and continuous coatings. The formation of free standing mesoporous molecular sieve fibers as spider webs and papers has been achieved by electrostatic deposition. Enzymes have been immobilized by incorporating the biomolecule into the sol gel precursor. Alternatively, a core shell fiber can be prepared where the enzyme is encapsulated in the core. Recent results involving glucose oxidase and cellulase as well as microperoxidase will be described.