Thiolactone-Functionalized Polymer for Covalent Protein Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing thin enzyme-containing polymer layers face challenges in achieving multiple functions such as hydrophobicization, enzyme attachment, substrate binding, and cross-linking while maintaining enzyme stability, often requiring complex polymer structures and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a copolymer or polymer with unhydrolyzed or hydrolyzed thiolactone functionalization for covalent attachment of proteins, which serves multiple functions including enzyme binding, cross-linking, and hydrophilicity control, using easily accessible statistical copolymers derived from bio-based materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex polymer structures (amphiphilic block copolymers) are used to achieve multiple functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single-functional thiolactone group that performs multiple roles: it enables covalent enzyme attachment through ring-opening reaction with amino groups, provides cross-linking capability through disulfide bridge formation, and allows controlled hydrophilicity through hydrolysis. This universal functional group replaces complex multi-component systems, achieving versatility without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (enzyme attachment, cross-linking, hydrophilicity control) into a single thiolactone functional group. Instead of using separate functional groups or components for each function, the thiolactone group integrates all these capabilities, simplifying the overall system while maintaining functional versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components (linkers, crosslinkers) are used to achieve enzyme binding and cross-linking, then the functional capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate linkers and crosslinkers by integrating their functions directly into the thiolactone group. The thiolactone's ring-opening reaction provides enzyme binding without requiring additional linkers, and its disulfide bridge formation provides cross-linking without requiring separate crosslinking agents, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The thiolactone group is self-sufficient, performing enzyme attachment, cross-linking, and hydrophilicity control without requiring external assistance from additional components. The group's inherent chemical reactivity enables it to execute multiple functions autonomously, eliminating the need for auxiliary substances and simplifying the system
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobization is achieved through polymer structure, then the film stability is improved, but the water swellability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic controllability of hydrophilicity through the hydrolysis of thiolactone groups. The polymer can transition from a more hydrophobic state (unhydrolyzed thiolactone) to a more hydrophilic state (hydrolyzed thiolactone), allowing the system to adapt its water swellability while maintaining film stability. This dynamic property resolves the contradiction by enabling both stability and adjustable swellability
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 simplifies the production of thin enzyme-containing layers by using a single functional group that performs multiple functions, enhancing enzyme stability and immobilization efficiency, and allows for flexible immobilization platforms applicable to various substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one protein is covalently linked to the at least one copolymer or polymer via the unhydrolyzed or hydrolyzed thiolactone functionalization
Implementation Method 2
a film containing at least one copolymer or polymer with an unhydrolyzed and/or hydrolyzed thiolactone functionalization
Implementation Method 3
The reversible attachment of enzymes to a polymer layer via disulfide bridges is described
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a protein-functionalized film, in which a protein is attached to a copolymer or a polymer with an unhydrolyzed or hydrolyzed thiolactone functionalization via the existing functionalization. The present invention also relates to a film produced accordingly.