Immobilization of the enzyme invertase in SBA-15 with surfaces functionalized by different organic compounds

Abstract

The search for appropriate supports for enzyme immobilization has attracted increasing interest in the field of biocatalysis. Immobilized enzymes are catalysts of enormous industrial interest because they combine the advantages of heterogeneous catalysis with the high selectivity and mild operational conditions of enzymes. This study evaluated the use of different organic molecules as functionalizing agents anchored on the silanol groups present on the surface of mesoporous materials such as SBA-15. This modification aims to increase the interaction of the enzyme invertase to the support, allowing for a greater amount of this biocatalyst to be immobilized. The hexagonal mesoporous material SBA-15, which has pores in the range of 40–60 A, was synthesized and modified by the following organic compounds: trimethoxyphenylsilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). APTES showed the best results in increasing the anchoring of enzymes on the material’s surface, providing a specific amount of enzyme loaded onto the surface of approximately 80% and, thus, showing successful functionalization.