(746c) Understanding and Manipulating the Interface Between Biomolecules and Carbon Nanotubes for the Next Generation of Bioanalytical Tools

Enzymes have potential applications in industrial catalysis, biosensing, drug delivery and decontamination, however with limited usage due to their low operational stability and yield loss in synthetic environments. Enzyme immobilization onto nano-sized solid supports has been proposed as an alternative to ensure enzyme stability, retention and recovery. However, the nanosupport has often been shown to affect the enzyme activity; a deep understand of the enzyme-nano interface reaction is thus needed if advances in the listed applications are to be made. Herein, we present a comprehensive and systematic study of the interface reactions between enzymes and nanosupports with different characteristics (i.e. surface area, charge and aspect-ratios). The interface reactions are discussed relative to the enzyme kinetics and retained activity at the nanosupports.  Knowledge gained from this study can further be used to optimize enzyme-nanomaterial interactions in order to maintain optimal levels of enzyme activity while enhancing stability upon immobilization for use in a broad spectrum of applications.