Mesoporous silica particles as templates for preparing enzyme-loaded biocompatible microcapsules

Abstract

An alternative, facile process for encapsulating biomacromolecules within polyelectrolyte microcapsules using mesoporous silica (MS) spheres as sacrificial templates for both enzyme immobilization and polyelectrolyte multilayer capsule formation, was reported. The encapsulation of of catalase in biocompatible poly(L-lysine) (PLL)/poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA) was demonstrated. The activity of the catalase in the PLL/PGA microcapsules was examined by measuring the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition in a stirred system. The method yields microcapsules with high enzyme loading, retained enzyme activity, and enzyme in a free state.