Encapsulated chemical and biological catalysts
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
We propose to synthesise a novel particle, which encapsulates a biologically active enzyme. An aqueous core of a few microns will be surrounded with a titania shell made up of particles of about 30 nm in size. These particles will be driven to the edge of the aqueous drop by an electrostatic driving force created by the stabilising surfactant. The entire particle will then be encased in a polymer shell, created by deposition from an external phase. After manufacture, necessarily in an organic media, the particles can be transferred into any desired supporting media.After demonstrating manufacture of these particles, the next stage of the project will be to examine the biological activity. Regimes of mass or reaction transfer limited reaction are expected. Glucose oxidase enzymes have a cofactor (flavin adenine dinucleotide) that is attached to the enzyme and these will reduce dissolved oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. Other enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase have a co-factor (NAD), which is not attached, and as such leaching experiments will form an important area of study.
Organisations
Publications
Gun W
(2013)
Microcapsule flow behaviour in porous media
in Chemical Engineering Science
Gun W
(2015)
Flow of pH-responsive microcapsules in porous media
in Chemical Engineering Science
Gun WJ
(2013)
Formation and characterization of pH-responsive liquid core microcapsules.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Keen PH
(2012)
Encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria in colloidosomes.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Keen PH
(2012)
Encapsulation of yeast cells in colloidosomes.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Keen PH
(2012)
Encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria in colloidosomes.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Keen PH
(2014)
Encapsulation of amylase in colloidosomes.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Keen PH
(2012)
Encapsulation of yeast cells in colloidosomes.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Laïb S
(2008)
Fabrication of colloidosomes at low temperature for the encapsulation of thermally sensitive compounds
in Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Nomura T
(2010)
A novel method of fabrication of latex-stabilized water-core colloidosomes at room temperature.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Description | We have learnt how to make water core micro-capsules. Placing a polymer shell around these capsules the release of active ingredients occurs over a timescale of about 1 day - the capsules are inherently porous. As a result the capsules can be used to encapsulate biological entities and we have demonstrated this for yeast, bacteria and enzymes |
Exploitation Route | We have patented the placement of a calcium carbonate shell around microcapsules and the University is in discussion with P&G. With luck they will be found in washing liquids within a few years |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Construction,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | We have patented the mothod of encapsulating enzymes and are currently in discussion with companies about how to commercialise the technology. Too early yet to call this impact but hopefully things will happen in the next year or so |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Chemicals |
Impact Types | Economic |
Title | Novel composition |
Description | New way to protect enzymes in washing liquids |
IP Reference | GB1319923.7 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | - |
Description | McBain 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Lecture given as I was presented with award received award |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Naked Scientists |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Appeared on the Naked Scientists - Radio Cambridgeshire, Radio 5 live, Radio Australia largest dissemination for our research possible |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Schlumberger 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Gave talk to industrial audience looking to initiate industrially funded research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |