Proteins as Copolymers in Hydrophobic Polymers

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9408438 Russell This project is on research to study the behavior of enzymes in organic media by attachment of an enzyme to an organic polymer. In particular, an enzyme will be fixed to a hydrophobic matrix of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. This would allow the enzyme to dissolve in an organic solvent while maintaining activity. The enzyme would be attached to a polymer by: (1) direct functionalization of the enzyme with an acrylate-terminal PEG to produce an enzyme in an organic solvent, followed by (2) solution copolymerization of the enzyme macromonomer with a vinyl monomer. Studies of the enzyme stability, activity and specificity in this environment, as well as studies on the effects of polymer macrostructure on the overall kinetics of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction will be performed. Also, a study of protein activity as effected by polymer porosity, enzyme loading, the extent of enzyme modification prior to immobilization, polymer hydrophobicity, other physical properties, and mass transfer will be performed. The particular enzyme to be used in this research is organophosphorous hydrolase, and enzyme which can degrade certain insecticides such as parathion, and certain types of nerve gases. This research could have environmental impact through the biodegradation of highly toxic compounds. ***