Biomimetic and biopolymer-based enzyme encapsulation

Abstract

Encapsulated enzymes are stable under various conditions and used in enzyme therapy, catalysis, and biosensors. The capsules are often inspired by structures from nature such as viral capsids, DNA motifs and diatom frustules. They are based on inorganic minerals as well as soft or polymeric materials, or even a combination of these. The choice of material influences the enzyme loading and response to heat, pH and presence of proteases. This review provides a comparison of enzyme encapsulation based on these different principles with a focus on materials inspired by nature.

Keywords: Biomimetic silica; Biopolymers; Enzyme encapsulation; Microreactors; Nanoparticles; Virus capsids.