Proteins in Countryclub-Like Jails:Encapsulation of Enzymes in Nanoporous Materials

A popular method for enzyme immobilization is formation of covalent bonds between enzymes and a solid support, which often alters the enzymatic activities. Recently, various enzymes have been entrapped in inorganic oxides such as silica for biocatalysis and biosensor applications through conventional sol-gel process. However, because of the microporous nature (i.e. pore diameter of 1.5-2 nm or less) of conventional sol-gels, the activities of enzymes are hindered by low diffusion rates of substrate molecules and poor accessibility of enzymes inside the materials.