Surface modification of proteins, to yield protein-polymer surfactant nanoconjugates, has been demonstrated as a robust method for synthesizing protein-rich biofluids that are devoid of any solvent. This new class of biomaterial has been shown to be a promising new technology where enzymes have been stabilized in non-aqueous environments. Using a variety of spectroscopic and scattering techniques, these novel biomaterials have been shown to allow for extreme enzyme thermal stability, stability against aggregation, retained dynamics, and enhanced function. Here, Dr Alex Brogan discusses recent advances in developing this strategy for enhancing enzyme activity in ionic liquids.

Image courtesy of Alex Brogan

Image courtesy of interviewee. March 5, 2021