Enabling multienzyme bioactive systems using a multiscale approach

The potentials of multi-scale design that combines both nanoscale and microscale mechanisms for biocatalysis involving multiple enzymes and cofactor(s) are examined. Performance of these complex systems depends on proper interactions among the enzymes and cofactor(s). In this work, nanoparticle-based multiple enzymes and tethered cofactor are designed to stimulate such interactions. Furthermore, the nanostructures are encapsulated in microcapsules with membranes possessing pores that are comparable to the size of nanoparticles. While the nanoparticles are the “motor” driving the complex reactions inside the capsules, the nano-sized pores of the microspheres allow efficient molecular diffusion for rapid reactant supply and product removal. The microcapsules can then be used in form of packed bed or suspension reactors for large-scale industrial operations. The multi-level design provides the mechanism for matching reaction and mass transfer rates, and for optimizing the volumetric productivity. This study showcases an interesting concept which entails interactions among nanostructured multiple enzymes and cofactor, the integration of complex nano-scale catalytic structures into micro-scale and then industrial process-scale systems for long-term continuous operations.