Bioartificial dextran and poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl alcohol)] hybrid sponges as support for proteins

A biological–synthetic hybrid material was prepared as a support for proteinic molecules. To control the conformational stability and ‘vitality’ of the entrapped compound, an enzyme, which catalyses a chemical reaction, was chosen. The physical immobilisation of α‐amylase on a novel biological–synthetic hybrid material was realised using a synthetic (poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl alcohol)]) and a biological (dextran) component. The supports were obtained in the form of porous sponges using the phase inversion process. The kinetic parameters of enzymatic hydrolysis of soluble starch were obtained by determining the maltose (reaction product) concentration in the test solution by a spectrophotometric method. A high amount of enzyme (10 and 15 mg per g of polymer matrix) was successfully entrapped in the polymer support and a rather good enzyme activity of entrapped α‐amylase and a constant activity for repeated use, compared with native α‐amylase, were observed. The results obtained clearly indicated that the bioartificial polymer sponges, showing an immobilisation of α‐amylase with maintenance of the catalytic function of the enzyme, can be used as suitable supports for proteins. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry