46] Methods for the therapeutic applications of immobilized enzymes

Abstract

This chapter discusses the methods for the therapeutic applications of immobilized enzymes. A general introduction is given on the various possible routes of in vivo administration of immobilized enzymes. Another way of introducing immobilized enzymes into the body is by intravenous injection or intra-arterial injection. This is a more complicated approach than the intraperitoneal route of injection, because small particles of narrow size distribution are required. Recently, another type of microencapsulated enzyme system in the form of liposomes containing enzymes has been injected by the intravenous route. Immobilized enzyme may be applied directly to the lesion. This has been tested using microencapsulated catalase. In addition, it is demonstrated that the model enzyme urease immobilized by microencapsulation can act effectively in converting the metabolite urea in the body into its product, ammonia. Another study makes use of entrapment of asparaginase in polyacrylamide gel. The gel-entrapped enzymes are fragmented to fine particles for peritoneal or intravenous injection.