Methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside-responsive release of microencapsulated glucoamylase

Microcapsules are made of porous membranes through which enzymes or proteins can readily permeate. Glucoamylase was encapsulated into microcapsules in the presence of concanavalin A. Microencapsulated glucoamylase was released from the microcapsules into the bulk phase in the presence of methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside, while it was not released in the absence of methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside. The initiation and cessation of glucoamylase release from the microcapsules accurately corresponded to the addition and removal of methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside, respectively. Methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside served as a controller for the release of glucoamylase.