Towards the stabilisation of enzymes via the synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates

This thesis explores the use of protein-polymer conjugates to enhance the stability of various enzymatic species. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the current literature covering mechanisms of enzyme denaturation and various approaches to enhance stability of enzymatic species. Chapter 2 evaluates the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hill, Alice
Published: University of Warwick 2017
Subjects:
572
Online Access:https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.720512
Description
Summary:This thesis explores the use of protein-polymer conjugates to enhance the stability of various enzymatic species. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the current literature covering mechanisms of enzyme denaturation and various approaches to enhance stability of enzymatic species. Chapter 2 evaluates the synthesis of protein macro-initiators from α-chymotrypsin and the ability to tune the initiator grafting density by employing control of pH and concentration. Chapter 3 examines the production of protein-polymer conjugates from α-chymotrypsin utilising atom transfer radical polymerisations with a hydrophilic monomer, glycerol methacrylate, and investigates the effects of altering the polymeric grafting densities on enzyme stability. Chapter 4 investigates the functionality and architecture of the grafted polymer on the surface of α-Chymotrypsin and the subsequent effects on both activity and stability of the protein-polymer conjugate. Chapter 5 discusses the challenges of employing the chemistries used to synthesise both protein macro-initiators and protein-polymer conjugates on enzymes specific to laundry applications.