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Problem

Tuning the miscibility of enzymes in non-native solvent environments has important implications for the use of enzymes in industrial chemical transformations. Traditionally, because the preparation and purification of enzymes can be costly, enzymes are used as heterogeneous catalysts, which facilitates their separation and recycling but can severely impact their activity.

Solution

Prof. Joel Kaar has demonstrated the use of polymer modification to specifically modulate the interactions of enzymes with non-native solvents. This approach allows one to rationally tune the interactions of the enzyme-polymer conjugate with non-aqueous solvent in a thermoresponsive manner within a desired temperature range. By rationally altering the composition of the polymer, the solubility and temperature of the phase separation can be quantitatively controlled and tuned. The enzyme can be readily recycled via sequential dissolution and precipitation, without loss of activity. The enzyme can also be reversibly shuttled between a non-aqueous solvent and buffer in response to changes in temperature.

Market Application

Industrial enzymes are used as catalysts to induce chemical reactions and boost production processes. They are used for various chemical and industrial applications such as tanning, brewing, baking, detergents, biofuel production, pharmaceuticals and drug delivery. The industrial enzymes market was valued at USD 4.61 billion in 2016, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2017, to reach USD 6.30 billion by 2022 [source: Top Market Reports, Report Code FB 2277, Oct. 2016].

What's Next?

Seeking licensees.