Enzyme-Polymer Hybrids
Enzyme-Polymer Hybrids
The capability to effectively incorporate enzymes within polyurethane foams is an integral part of the advanced technology research done at FLIR. We have effectively extended this platform technology to multiple enzyme systems with a diverse range of clinical applications. Numerous benefits such as improved stability, reusability, and environmental resistance are incurred when enzymes are effectively co-polymerized within polyurethane polymers.
FLIR possesses proprietary technology in the synthesis and application of enzymes and other protein-containing polymers. Most notably, this technology is used in our chemical agent point detectors. This work began in 1999 under the direction of two of the nation's leading experts on enzyme-polymer materials – Dr. Keith LeJeune and Dr. Alan Russel. Our expertise includes applied enzymology, formulation development and enzyme-polymer synthesis (foams, gels and pads, from urethanes and acrylates).
Enzyme polymerization involves the immobilization of proteins covalently bonded within a growing polymer chain. These polymerized enzymes have improved performance and provide for a range of new product opportunities utilizing this chemistry: activity and specificity are well maintained; catalytic lifetimes are extended by stabilization of the enzyme tertiary structure; proteins can be loaded into materials while retaining favorable physical properties; expensive enzyme purification techniques are not required in many applications; enzyme environmental and thermal sensitivity are dramatically reduced; general applicability, usability, and reusability are markedly improved.