Influence of nanoparticle diameter on conjugated enzyme activity

Micro-Nanoparticle Characterization: Establishing Underpinnings for Proper Identification and Nanotechnology-Enabled Remediation

Microplastics (MPLs) and nanoplastics (NPLs) are smaller particles derived from larger plastic material, polymerization, or refuse. In context to environmental health, they are separated into the industrially-created "primary" category or the degradation derivative "secondary" category where the particles exhibit different physiochemical characteristics that attenuate their toxicities. However, some particle types are more well documented in terms of their fate in the environment and potential toxicological effects (secondary) versus their industrial fabrication and chemical characterization (primary). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR/µ-FTIR), Raman/µ-Raman, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), Curie Point-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (CP-gc-MS), Induced Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Field Flow Fractionation-Multiple Angle Light Scattering (FFF-MALS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Differential Mobility Particle [Sizing] (DMPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission X-ray Microspectroscopy (STXM) are reviewed as part of a suite of characterization methods for physiochemical ascertainment and distinguishment. In addition, Optical-Photothermal Infrared Microspectroscopy (O-PTIR), Z-Stack Confocal Microscopy, Mueller Matrix Polarimetry, and Digital Holography (DH) are touched upon as a suite of cutting-edge modes of characterization. Organizations, like the water treatment or waste management industry, and those in groups that bring awareness to this issue, which are in direct contact with the hydrosphere, can utilize these techniques in order to sense and remediate this plastic polymer pollution. The primary goal of this review paper is to highlight the extent of plastic pollution in the environment as well as introduce its effect on the biodiversity of the planet while underscoring current characterization techniques in this field of research. The secondary goal involves illustrating current and theoretical avenues in which future research needs to address and optimize MPL/NPL remediation, utilizing nanotechnology, before this sleeping giant of a problem awakens.

Mechano-Bactericidal Surfaces: Mechanisms, Nanofabrication, and Prospects for Food Applications

Mechano-bactericidal (MB) nanopatterns have the ability to inactivate bacterial cells by rupturing cellular envelopes. Such biocide-free, physicomechanical mechanisms may confer lasting biofilm mitigation capability to various materials encountered in food processing, packaging, and food preparation environments. In this review, we first discuss recent progress on elucidating MB mechanisms, unraveling property-activity relationships, and developing cost-effective and scalable nanofabrication technologies. Next, we evaluate the potential challenges that MB surfaces may face in food-related applications and provide our perspective on the critical research needs and opportunities to facilitate their adoption in the food industry.

Optimization of Nanohybrid Biosensors Based on Electro-Crosslinked Tannic Acid Capped Nanoparticles/Enzyme

Enzymes/Nanoparticles (NPs) bioconjugates are massively used nowadays to develop thin films for optical and electrochemical biosensors. Nevertheless, their full characterization as a thin coating onto electrodes remains little discussed, in particular the influence of NPs size and enzyme/NPs ratio used in the electrodeposition solution. In this study, GOx (160 kDa) and HRP (44 kDa) were used in association with tannic acid capped gold NPs (a series with sizes from 7 to 40 nm) to electrodeposit biosensor coatings, sensitive towards glucose and H2O2, respectively. The electrodeposition process was based on a mussel-inspired electro-crosslinking between gallol moieties of tannic acid (at the surface of NPs) and amine moieties of the enzymes. On one hand, the sensitivity of the GOx/NPs coatings depends strongly on the NP size and the enzyme/NPs molar ratio of the electrodeposition solution. An optimal sensitivity was obtained by electrodeposition of 11 nm NPs at a GOx/NPs molar ratio close to the theoretical value of the enzyme monolayer. On the other hand, a modest influence of the NPs size was found on the sensitivity in the case of the electrodeposited HRP/NPs coatings, reaching a plateau at the HRP/NPs molar ratio close to the value of the theoretical enzyme monolayer. In both cases, the enzyme/NPs molar ratio played a role in the sensitivity. To fully understand the parameters driving the biosensor sensitivity, a comprehensive evaluation of the colloidal state of the bioconjugates is proposed here.

A Comprehensive Review of the Covalent Immobilization of Biomolecules onto Electrospun Nanofibers

Biomolecule immobilization has attracted the attention of various fields such as fine chemistry and biomedicine for their use in several applications such as wastewater, immunosensors, biofuels, et cetera. The performance of immobilized biomolecules depends on the substrate and the immobilization method utilized. Electrospun nanofibers act as an excellent substrate for immobilization due to their large surface area to volume ratio and interconnectivity. While biomolecules can be immobilized using adsorption and encapsulation, covalent immobilization offers a way to permanently fix the material to the fiber surface resulting in high efficiency, good specificity, and excellent stability. This review aims to highlight the various covalent immobilization techniques being utilized and their benefits and drawbacks. These methods typically fall into two categories: (1) direct immobilization and (2) use of crosslinkers. Direct immobilization techniques are usually simple and utilize the strong electrophilic functional groups on the nanofiber. While crosslinkers are used as an intermediary between the nanofiber substrate and the biomolecule, with some crosslinkers being present in the final product and others simply facilitating the reactions. We aim to provide an explanation of each immobilization technique, biomolecules commonly paired with said technique and the benefit of immobilization over the free biomolecule.

Hairy Particles with Immobilized Enzymes: Impact of Particle Topology on the Catalytic Activity

Enzymes are described as ideal green biocatalysts because they are highly specific and selective. However, their practical application is hampered because of the low stability and missing reusability of free enzymes. One method to overcome these problems is the immobilization of enzymes onto carriers. Although numerous publications discuss different immobilization strategies, optimization of these carriers for the highest enzyme activity and loading capacity, enzyme selectivity, reusability, and reactor system configuration still remains a challenging task. In this contribution, we aim to address the role of the core-shell particle design with respect to their geometry as well as the polymer shell thickness on the immobilization of biomolecules. We discovered that spherical particles with a core diameter of 200 nm and intermediate shell thickness as well as platelet-like particles exhibited excellent results with a maximum immobilization yield of laccase from Trametes versicolor of up to 92% and an activity on the carrier material of 5.722 U/(g particle). Especially, the platelet-like particles offered a scalable and convenient alternative for the immobilization of laccase. Circular dichroism measurements proved that the secondary structure of the enzyme is not impaired by immobilization onto all kinds of carrier particles. Moreover, the immobilized laccase was successfully used for the decolorization of Cibacron blue P-3R in up to 18 cycles. Finally, particle separation was achieved via citrate-induced flocculation within 10 min. This detailed study contributes to the understanding of rational design of catalytically active hybrid materials and their effective performance at interfaces for applications in textile industry and environmental technologies.

Immobilization of β-galactosidase by complexation: Effect of interaction on the properties of the enzyme

In the present work, we aimed to explore the molecular binding between alginate and β-galactosidase, as well as the effect of this interaction on the activity retention, thermal stability, and kinetic properties of the enzyme. The impact of pH and enzyme/alginate ratio on physicochemical properties (turbidity, morphology, particle size distribution, ζ-potential, FTIR, and isothermal titration calorimetry) was also evaluated. The ratio of biopolymers and pH of the system directly affected the critical pH of complex formation; however, a low alginate concentration (0.1 wt%) could achieve an electrical charge equivalence at pH 3.4 with 93.72% of yield. The binding between β-galactosidase and alginate was an equilibrium between enthalpic and entropic contributions, which promoted changes in the structure of the enzyme. Nevertheless, this conformational modification was reversible after the dissociation of the complex, which allowed the enzyme to regain its activity. These findings will likely broaden functional applications of enzyme immobilization.

Transforming food waste: how immobilized enzymes can valorize waste streams into revenue streams

Food processing generates byproduct and waste streams rich in lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, which contribute to its negative environmental impact. However, these compounds hold significant economic potential if transformed into revenue streams such as biofuels and ingredients. Indeed, the high protein, sugar, and fat content of many food waste streams makes them ideal feedstocks for enzymatic valorization. Compared to synthetic catalysts, enzymes have higher specificity, lower energy requirement, and improved environmental sustainability in performing chemical transformations, yet their poor stability and recovery limits their performance in their native state. This review article surveys the current state-of-the-art in enzyme stabilization & immobilization technologies, summarizes opportunities in enzyme-catalyzed valorization of waste streams with emphasis on streams rich in mono- and disaccharides, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins, and highlights challenges and opportunities in designing commercially translatable immobilized enzyme systems towards the ultimate goals of sustainable food production and reduced food waste.

Polymeric Nanocomposites and Nanocoatings for Food Packaging: A Review

Special properties of the polymeric nanomaterials (nanoscale size, large surface area to mass ratio and high reactivity individualize them in food packaging materials. They can be processed in precisely engineered materials with multifunctional and bioactive activity. This review offers a general view on polymeric nanocomposites and nanocoatings including classification, preparation methods, properties and short methodology of characterization, applications, selected types of them used in food packaging field and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, biological, biocatalyst and so forth, functions.

Stabilization of Lipase in Polymerized High Internal Phase Emulsions

Candida antarctica lipase B is stabilized in a porous, high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) of polydicyclopentadiene to enable biocatalytic waste stream upcycling. The immobilized lipase is subjected to thorough washing conditions and tested for stability in extreme environments and reusability. A porous internal microstructure is revealed through scanning electron microscopy. After preparation, lipase activity increased to 139 ± 9.7% of its original activity. After 10 cycles of reuse, immobilized lipase retains over 50% activity. Immobilized lipase retains activity after 24 h of exposure to temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 °C and pH values of 3, 7, and 10. In the most extreme environments tested, lipase retained 42.8 ± 21% relative activity after exposure to 60 °C and 49.4 ± 16% relative activity after exposure to pH 3. Polymerized HIPEs stabilize lipase and, thus, extend its working range. Further synthesis optimization has the potential to increase enzyme stability, immobilization efficiency, and uniformity. The reported hierarchical stabilization technique shows promise for use of immobilized lipase in non-ideal, industrially relevant conditions.

Influence of Hierarchical Interfacial Assembly on Lipase Stability and Performance in Deep Eutectic Solvent

Hierarchical systems that integrate nano- and macroscale structural elements can offer enhanced enzyme stability over traditional immobilization methods. Microparticles were synthesized using interfacial assembly of lipase B from Candida antarctica with (CLMP-N) and without (CLMP) nanoparticles around a cross-linked polymeric core, to characterize the influence of the hierarchical assembly on lipase stability in extreme environments. Kinetic analysis revealed that the turnover rate (k_cat) significantly increased after immobilization. The macrostructure stabilized lipase at neutral and basic pH values, while the nanoparticles influenced stability under acidic pH conditions. Performance of CLMPs was demonstrated by production of sugar ester surfactants in a greener, deep eutectic solvent system (choline chloride and urea). Turnover rate (k_cat) and catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) of the CLMPs decreased following solvent exposure but retained over 60% and 20% activity after 48 h storage at 50 and 60 °C, respectively. CLMP and CLMP-N outperformed the commercially available lipase per unit protein in the production of sugar esters. Improving enzyme performance in greener solvent systems via hierarchical assembly can improve processing efficiency and sustainability for the production of value-added agricultural products.

Effects of aqueous stable fullerene nanocrystals (nC60) on the food conversion from Daphnia magna to Danio rerio in a simplified freshwater food chain

Understanding the nanomaterial potential to the food conversion of two food chain levels is important in the ecosystem assessment as manufactured nanomaterials are being released into the environment. In this investigation, the food conversion from Daphnia magna (D. magna) (prey) to Danio rerio (D. rerio) (predator) was used as the study object of aqueous stable fullerene nanocrystals (nC60). Accumulated nC60 of D. magna was determined as the nominal initial exposure concentration for D. rerio. The results of 21-d dietary exposure experiment demonstrate that nC60 in D. magna decreased the body weight growths and condition factors of D. rerio, and reduced the food conversion ratio by 20% (from D. magna to D. rerio). Further, the experiments present that nC60 decrease three digestive enzymes activities of trypsinase, lipase, and amylase by 30, 29, and 55% in vivo, and by 60, 90, and 42% in vitro, respectively. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that nC60 was involved with the decrements of digestive enzymes activities. These decrements in digestive enzymes activities may be due to the deactivation caused by the adsorption of nC60 particles onto the surface or active center of digestive enzymes. Sum up, these results not only describe the nC60 deleterious effects on the food conversion from D. magna to D. rerio, but also provide some information regarding a probable food conversion inhibition mechanism of nC60.

Active Packaging Coatings

Active food packaging involves the packaging of foods with materials that provide an enhanced functionality, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant or biocatalytic functions. This can be achieved through the incorporation of active compounds into the matrix of the commonly used packaging materials, or by the application of coatings with the corresponding functionality through surface modification. The latter option offers the advantage of preserving the packaging materials’ bulk properties nearly intact. Herein, different coating technologies like embedding for controlled release, immobilization, layer-by-layer deposition, and photografting are explained and their potential application for active food packaging is explored and discussed.

High Throughput Screening Method to Explore Protein Interactions with Nanoparticles

The interactions of biological macromolecules with nanoparticles underlie a wide variety of current and future applications in the fields of biotechnology, medicine and bioremediation. The same interactions are also responsible for mediating potential biohazards of nanomaterials. Some applications require that proteins adsorb to the nanomaterial and that the protein resists or undergoes structural rearrangements. This article presents a screening method for detecting nanoparticle-protein partners and conformational changes on time scales ranging from milliseconds to days. Mobile fluorophores are used as reporters to study the interaction between proteins and nanoparticles in a high-throughput manner in multi-well format. Furthermore, the screening method may reveal changes in colloidal stability of nanomaterials depending on the physicochemical conditions.

Intrinsic polyphenol oxidase-like activity of gold@platinum nanoparticles

Au@Pt NPs showed PPO mimetic activity over a wider range of pH and temperatures compared to PPO. In the oxidation of all substrates, Au@Pt NPs exhibited higher affinity to the substrates, especially to catechol and pyrogallol, compared with PPO.