Microwave activation of enzymatic catalysis

J Am Chem Soc. 2008 Aug 6;130(31):10048-9. doi: 10.1021/ja802404g. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

Microwave irradiation can be used to regulate biocatalysis. Herein, the utilization of hyperthermophilic enzymes in a microwave reactor is reported. While these enzymes are inactive at low temperatures, they can be activated with microwave irradiation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first illustration of a specific microwave effect in enzymatic catalysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carboxylesterase / metabolism
  • Catalysis
  • Enzymes / metabolism*
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Kinetics
  • Microwaves*
  • Pyrococcus furiosus / enzymology
  • Sulfolobus solfataricus / enzymology
  • Thermotoga maritima / enzymology
  • alpha-Galactosidase / metabolism
  • beta-Glucosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzymes
  • Carboxylesterase
  • beta-Glucosidase
  • alpha-Galactosidase