Activity Control of Mussel Glue Derived Enzymes: A Study on Thermoresponsive Tyrosinase-PNIPAM Conjugates

摘要

Protein-polymer conjugates are promising tools for biomedical, biotechnological or chemical applications. The conjugation of responsive polymers to enzymatically active proteins leads to promising bioconjugates, combing the solubility and processability of synthetic polymers with the complexity and selectivity of enzymes. The study investigates a bioconjugate of a mussel glue derived protein tyrosinase with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). While the switch-ability of PNIPAM was not altered, activity of the enzyme was preserved. Synergistic effects are achieved, showing a significant increase of enzyme activity of the bioconjugate at high temperatures compared to native enzyme.