Enzyme Encapsulation Matrix for Water-Activated Co-Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems for enzyme/substrate combinations face challenges in maintaining the optimal enzyme:substrate ratio and ensuring physical isolation until the reaction is desired, leading to inconvenience, cost, and potential toxicity issues, especially in liquid formulations required for processes handling powders or solid products.
Innovation Solution
A liquid delivery system where the enzyme is encapsulated in a water-soluble polymeric matrix, allowing the substrate to be in a substantially non-aqueous liquid phase, preventing reaction during storage and enabling catalytic activity upon water addition, with the enzyme and substrate being co-formulated for controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enzyme and substrate are packaged separately and combined at point of use, then physical isolation is achieved, but convenience deteriorates and blending errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the enzyme and substrate into separate compartments within a single container. The enzyme is encapsulated in a polymeric matrix forming distinct compartments or layers, while the substrate is in the liquid phase. This segmentation maintains physical isolation while being contained in one package, resolving the contradiction between reliability of isolation and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If dry enzyme and dry substrate blend is provided, then physical isolation is maintained with proper ratio, but liquid formulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the components. The enzyme is encapsulated in a polymeric matrix that is insoluble in the liquid phase, allowing the enzyme to remain isolated while the substrate is dissolved in liquid. This parameter change enables liquid formulation capability while maintaining physical isolation through the insolubility of the polymeric matrix.
3Ease of operation
If enzyme and substrate are combined in same liquid formulation, then convenience and cost are improved, but premature reaction and toxicity concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric matrix acts as an intermediary barrier between the enzyme and substrate. It encapsulates the enzyme, preventing direct contact with the substrate in the liquid phase during storage. The matrix is designed to be insoluble in the liquid phase, maintaining the barrier function. This intermediary structure enables convenience of single-container formulation while ensuring reliability of physical isolation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a stable, convenient, and cost-effective liquid formulation that maintains enzyme catalytic potential, ensuring proper enzyme:substrate ratios and reducing toxicity concerns, while allowing for efficient enzymatic reactions upon activation with water.
Implementation Method 1
the enzyme is encapsulated in a water-soluble polymeric matrix
Implementation Method 2
After addition of water to the composition, the polymeric matrix is solubilized, releasing the enzyme
Implementation Method 3
permitting catalytic reaction with the substrate to occur
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits that include an enzyme/substrate co-delivery system. The liquid delivery system includes at least one enzyme encapsulated in a water-soluble polymeric matrix and a substrate for the enzyme in a carrier liquid in which the polymeric matrix is insoluble. When water is added, the polymeric matrix is solubilized and enzyme is released from the matrix, permitting catalytic action upon the substrate.