Rapid Production of Nitrilase Containing Silica Nanoparticles Offers an Effective and Reusable Biocatalyst for Synthetic Nitrile Hydrolysis

Rapid and efficient immobilization of nitrilase within silica nanoparticles overcomes many hurdles associated with biocatalysis. A water-miscible dendrimer catalyzes the condensation of silicic acid to silica dioxide, entrapping electrostatically bound nitrilase molecules. Michaelis−Menten kinetics shows encapsulated nitrilase functions similarly to free nitrilase in solution. Additionally, HPLC analysis demonstrates that simple benchtop separation and recycling of the biocatalyst over 10 individual reactions are achieved without significant loss of enzyme and/or function. These findings broaden the use of nitrilases in the production of fine chemicals as well as general syntheses by overcoming some of the traditional barriers associated with enzyme reagents and nitrile conversion.