Enzyme Immobilization within a Hyaluronic Acid Matrix for Synthetic Applications

Jackie R. Arnold,* Jordan S. Chapman, Cerasela Zoica Dinu
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Presentation Category: Science & Technology (Oral Presentation)

Student’s Major: Chemical Engineering

FoEnzymes make up an integral system in the success and efficiency of biological reactions; their specific activities have been transferred from biological to synthetic environments and applied within the chemical, environmental, and biomedical industries to increase processing efficiency. There are, however, limitations to enzyme-based technologies including the fragility of the biocatalyst, user-controllability of its reaction, shelf-life, and large-scale usage. To approach such limitations, techniques involving enzyme immobilization have been reviewed. Emphasis was placed on glucose oxidase (GOx), one of the model enzymes used in biosensors and pharmaceutical applications. The reviewed literature was complemented by studies performed in our lab, in which we demonstrated that GOx can be physically adsorbed within net-like amphiphilic dodecylamine (dod)-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, biocompatible and biodegradable gels of diverse pore sizes that are able to retain both activity and stability of the entrapped enzyme. Such analyses could enhance the body of knowledge and realm of implementation of GOx immobilization in biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Funding: National Science Foundation 1454230

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: a West Virginia SURE program