(691b) Enzyme-Based Technologies: Perspectives and Opportunities

Enzyme immobilization is used as a viable alternative to overcome the limitations of enzyme-based applications in vitro and to ensure high enzyme activity retention and high operational stability. The choice of immobilization technique is determined by considering both chemical and physical properties of the enzymes and of the support surfaces. As such, immobilization has been achieved by entrapping enzymes into polymer matrices, Langmuir-Blodgett films, solid- or liquid- based membranes, or simply by attachment of enzymes onto solid supports (either by covalent or physical immobilization). This presentation is focused on the current trends in enzyme-based technologies and the research in my group aimed at developing decontamination platforms based on enzymes and capable of neutralizing bacteria, viruses and spores. Various enzyme immobilization strategies are discussed and further insights into the next generation of surface decontamination technologies are provided, outlining the studies that are underway to enable these technologies to be self-sustainable (i.e. operate under ambient conditions without external addition of the enzyme substrate). Further, the interface reactions between biological molecules and nanosupports as well as the methods used for controlling this interface are presented. By “smart design” of the enzyme-nanomaterial-hybrids one could achieve longer shelf life and stability for applications as diverse as biosensors, drug delivery or decontamination platforms.