Effect of polymer architecture on enzyme activity in AOT/(m)PEG/Isooctane reverse

Gabriele, Anthony, Freedman, Abegel, Pugh, Coleen. Effect of polymer architecture on enzyme activity in AOT/(m)PEG/Isooctane reverse. -- Fyre in STEM Showcase, 2022.

Abstract

Methoxy[poly(ethylene glycol)] (mPEG) is a common polymer used in everything from laxatives to a preservative for waterlogged wood. Two of the parameters that cause such drastic differences is the molecular weight and architecture of the carbon chain of this polymer. In previous studies the presence of the linear form of mPEG in reverse micelles entrapping Chromobacterium viscosum lipase increased the enzymatic digestion of olive oil. Reverse micelles act as a barrier between polar molecules suspended in non-polar molecules, a structure vital to enzymes in order to ensure their function. In the same research, specific parameters were found to maximize the hydrolysis. These parameters include Wo (molar ratio of water to surfactant), temperature, pH, ionic strength, and polymer length. The aim of this research is to find the effect of polymer architecture on enzyme activity: specifically, the difference between linear (mPEG550BnCHO) and cyclic (PEG600BnCHO) architectures. After these two varieties of (m)PEG were synthesized, they were assembled into reverse micelles, surrounding the incubated Chromobacterium viscosum lipase. After the enzyme was able to digest the triglycerides in olive oil, the Lowry technique was used to measure the enzymatic activity. Initial experiments were performed and enzyme activity measurements for both architectures were found. This result is not only novel but shows extremely beneficial properties of polymer architecture.

Description

Poster and abstract presented at the FYRE in STEM Showcase, 2022.
Research project completed at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Publisher

Wichita State University

Series

FYRE in STEM 2022

URI

https://soar.wichita.edu/handle/10057/23325

Collections

FYRE in STEM 2022