Optimization of enzymes and enzymatic gels using precision heat transfer 

 

The research explored an approach that couples hydrolytic enzymes and hydrogels with accurate mild heat transfer. While in optimal water medium conditions, enzymes follow Michaelis-Menten dynamics, in vivo treatment conditions are different, due to the difficulty in diffusion when gelled enzymes are applied on solid-phase substrates. The temperature has a direct influence on the diffusion and enzyme dynamics, but to date it has not been applied in cleaning methodology systematically because of the absence of accurate heat transfer instrumentation. The experimental application of thermodynamically optimized enzymes and hydrogels using transparent IMAT carbon nanotubes heater is described. Noticeable changes in cleaning action at different temperatures suggest a practical possibility to enhance the performance of enzymes and gels through temperature regulation. 

 

Markevičius T., Syversen T., Chan E., Olsson N., Skov Hilby C., Šimaitė R., ‘Cold, warm, warmer: use of precision heat transfer in the optimization of hydrolytic enzyme and hydrogel cleaning systems’ Gels in Conservation Conference, International Academic Projects, 2018. Ed. Angelova L., Ormsby B., Townsend J.H., Wolbers R., ISBN 9781909492509