| Abstract: | Polypyrrole microcapsules (prepared via the template method) were used for immobilization of both enzymatic and chemical catalytic systems. Enzymes immobilized include glucose oxidase, catalase, trypsin, subtilisin, and alcohol dehydrogenase. The chemical catalytic system investigated consisted of immobilized Pd nanoparticles for the catalysis of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Microcapsules loaded with glucose oxidase (GOD) were found to have higher enzymatic activity than that of GOD-loaded thin films, a competing encapsulation method. Trypsin was used to explore the possible leakage of small proteins from the capsules; no leakage was observed. Subtilisin was used to show that these microcapsules can be used in nonaqueous solvents. The effect of the capsule wall thickness on the rate of the enzymatic reaction was also explored. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
