Abstract: A polymer brush composed of statistical copolymers of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers for enzyme immobilization. The heterogeneous polymer brushes stabilized four different lipases against high temperatures. Notably, the statistical copolymers stabilized the four lipases to a greater extent than a homopolymer brush. Additionally, in the case of Rhizomucor miehei lipase, statistical copolymers stabilized the enzyme to a greater extent than homopolymers of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers. The resulting increase in high-temperature stability enabled significant improvements in catalytic rates by operating reactions at elevated temperatures, which is desirable for enzyme catalysis and sensing applications. Additionally, stabilization against elevated temperatures implies stabilization against non-aqueous solvents, which is of critical importance to numerous applications of biocatalysts.

Abstract: Here, the present inventors describe novel methods and compositions to reduce protein misfolding, the formation of protein aggregates, as well as the degradation of previously formed protein aggregates, for example by separating fibrils back into protofilaments. Additional aspects of the invention include therapeutic uses of lipid bilayers to rescue misfolded proteins in Alzheimer's and other protein misfolding diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems by which enzymes can be modified to improve solubility, catalytic activity, recoverability, and recyclability. The enzyme may be modified with a thermosensitive copolymer to form an enzyme-polymer conjugate that exhibits upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and/or lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type behavior in an organic solvent, ionic liquid, or other solvent. Methods and systems of the invention facilitate the use of enzymes as biocatalysts in solvents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems by which enzymes can be modified to improve solubility, catalytic activity, recoverability, and recyclability. The enzyme may be modified with a thermosensitive copolymer to form an enzyme-polymer conjugate that exhibits upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and/or lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type behavior in an organic solvent, ionic liquid, or other solvent. Methods and systems of the invention facilitate the use of enzymes as biocatalysts in solvents.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.