The low industrial use of enzyme membrane reactors is due to the need for replacing the membrane frequently (as properties decay with use), and the low enzyme loading capacity of the commercial polymer membranes. Materials science and enzyme technology have been rarely considered together for targeted enzyme immobilization. This project proposes, for the first time, that the selection and processing of the membrane material are tailored considering the enzymes needs. The objective is to design optimal membrane systems for efficient immobilization of enzymes on inorganic membranes, as well as identifying generic aspects of interaction between inorganic surfaces and enzymatic proteins. The project addresses the development of such immobilized enzyme systems for cascade conversion of CO2 to methanol, and for one-step enzymatic isomerization of glucose to fructose. This information should allow the creation of a novel technology that could be applied to most enzyme production processes. The role of DTU Energy is the development of ceramic membranes based on nanofiber structures, which have ultrahigh porosities and can mimic natural environment for many enzymes.
References:
- S. B. Sigurdardóttir, J. Lehmann, S. Ovtar, J.C. Grivel, M. della Negra, A. Kaiser, M. Pinelo, Enzyme immobilization on inorganic surfaces for membrane reactor applications: Mass transfer challenges, enzyme leakage and reuse of materials (review), Adv. Synth. Catal. (2018) 2578. https://doi.org/10.1002/adsc.201800307