(437g) A Rapid Cell-Free Approach to Production of Enzyme Biocatalysts and Their Encapsulation in Protective Virus-like Particles

Here we report the ability to produce industrial enzyme biocatalysts on-demand and then selectively encapsulate these enzymes in protective virus-like particles. The entire workflow can be completed in hours at an industrially competitive cost. Specifically, we report enhanced stability in biologically harsh environments when the industrial enzyme Candida antarctica Lipase B is encapsulated in virus-like particles using a 2-step E. coli-based cell-free protein synthesis system. Importantly, the cell-free technology presented in this work can be lyophilized and stockpiled for on-demand production of desired industrial enzymes in response to chemical feedstock and product demands and price fluctuations.