Immobilization of enzymes by radiation-induced polymerization of glass-forming monomers: 1. Immobilization of some enzymes by poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Abstract

The immobilization of some enzymes has been studied by radiation-induced polymerization using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as a glass-forming monomer. Radiation damage of enzymes was slight after irradiation at low temperatures. Moreover, the activity yield of immobilized enzymes increased markedly at polymerization temperatures below −24°C. The polymer formed was characterized by its porous structure which was studied in detail in relation to the activity yield and its activity retention with repeated use. It was deduced that enzymes were partly trapped at the pore surface within the polymer matrix and partly within the pores from which they were able to leak out with repeated use. Hence, the use of low temperature and super-cooled monomer was necessary for effective enzyme immobilization.