Encapsulation of Enzymes Using Polymers and Sol-Gel Techniques

This chapter describes two enzyme immobilization methods based on the biomolecule encapsulation into polymer matrices: the sol-gel technology and the entrapment into the polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) with styrylpyridinium groups (PVA-SbQ). The sol-gel technology is based on the formation of silica matrices of metal or semi-metal oxides through the aqueous processing of hydrolytically labile precursors. The encapsulation into PVA-SbQ involves the photo-cross-linking of the styrylpyridinium groups in order to create the polymer matrix. These networks are chemically stable and do not restrict the enzyme activ-ity. Both bioencapsulation strategies provide simple, easy, and low-cost methods for enzyme immobilization. They are versatile, as matrixes can be tailor-designed and used to entrap a large number of biomolecules. They present numerous applications, including the development of biooptical devices, biosensors and biocatalysts.