Entrapment ofα-Chymotrypsin into Hollow Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules

Abstract

Stable hollow polyelectrolyte capsules were produced by the layer-by-layer assembling of non-biodegradable polyelectrolytes – poly(allylamine) and poly(styrenesulfonate) on melamine formaldehyde microcores followed by the core decomposition at low pH. A proteolytic enzyme, α-chymotrypsin, was encapsulated into these microcapsules with high yields of up to 100%. The encapsulation procedure was based on the protein adsorption onto the capsule shells and on the pH-dependent opening and closing of capsule wall pores. The protein in the capsules retained a high activity, and thermo- and storage stability. The nanostructured polyelectrolyte shell protected the proteinase from a high molecular weight inhibitor. Such enzyme-loaded capsules can be used as microreactors for biocatalysis.