The insolubilization of trypsin by attachment to radiation graft copolymers of polypropylene

Abstract

Novel methods have been developed for the preparation of polymers suitable for the attachment of enzymes, or other biochemical macromolecules, to render them water insoluble. By a new irradiation process, p‐nitrostyrene has been graft copolymerized to trunk polymers, such as polypropylene. Reduction of the nitro group in the graft copolymer gives the amino derivative, which may be converted to other functional groups (isothiocyanato or diazo) or used in conjunction with bifunctional reagents in order to covalently bind enzymes to produce active, water‐insoluble conjugates. The properties of one such conjugate, in which trypsin was immobilized by covalent attachment to poly(p‐isothiocyanatostyrene‐g‐propylene) are discussed. The advantages of the present radiation grafting technique are compared with conventional methods for insolubilizing enzymes.

Preparation of polymeric biomaterials with the aid of radiation-chemical methods

“…A method for the covalent binding of enzymes, based on the grafting of p-nitrostyrene to polymers (mainly polyolefins), the reduction of the nitro groups to amino groups, and the conversion of the latter into isocyanate groups, which readily react with enzymes, has been devised. 210,219,220 In n = 2, 3, 4, 9, 14.…”

Investigations on vinylene carbonate. V. Immobilization of alkaline phosphatase onto LDPE films cografted with vinylene carbonate and N‐vinyl‐N‐methylacetamide

“…The film was washed thoroughly with 0.05 M glycine buffer at pH 9 and was used for the next activity measurement. The process was repeated 11 times and the activity was determined in each case.…”

Improvement of hydrophilicity of polypropylene by liquid‐phase mutual irradiation of acrylics

“…Liddy et al have polymerized p-nitrosytrene in polypropylene in order to covalently bind enzymes to produce active, water-insoluble conjugates. 5 Rangajec et al, have polymerized a UV stabilizer in polypropylene film using mutual y-irradiation. 6 Since research in polypropylene has been scattered in terms of the effects of monomers, irradiation methods, and the form of the polypropylene as possible ways of modifying and improving its properties, more in-depth studies are needed to extend the potential applications of this polymer.…”