Mesoporous materials for encapsulating enzymes

SummaryThe unique properties of mesoporous silica (MPS) materials were utilized to immobilze enzymes: huge surface area, modifiable surface, and restricted pore nanospaces. The enzyme confinements in the nanochannels of MPS materials generate synergistic effects that enhance enzyme stability, improve product selectivity, and facilitate separation and reuse of enzymes. The physical chemistry of enzyme confinement, methods of immobilization, catalytic activity and advantages of protein confinements are discussed. In the end, we show that immobilized enzymes in the nanospaces of MPS can be applied as viable biocatalysts for chemical and pharmaceutical industries.