PROTEINS IN A POROUS SUPPORT

摘要

A protein system is described in which a protein is bound within a matrix material that has pores that are sized to achieve excellent properties such as: activity, protein density, and stability. In a preferred embodiment, the pore sizes range from 50 to 400 A. One protein that has demonstrated surprisingly good results in this system is OPH. This protein is known to degrade organophosphorus compounds such as are found in chemical weapons and pesticides. Novel methods of forming the protein system and methods of making OPH are also described. Also described is a protein system including a porous matrix material and a protein disposed within the porous matrix material; wherein the protein system contains at least 0.01 mmol of protein per gram of matrix material and exhibits an activity at least 2 times greater that the activity of a protein system that has been formed under identical conditions on a normal silica matrix material. Methods of making protein systems with noncovalent bonding to entrap proteins in the porous matrix are also described.