Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on electrospun magnetic nanofibers for phenol removal

Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized onto Mesoporous Magnetic Hybrid Nanoflowers for Enzymatic Decolorization of Textile Dyes: A Highly Robust Bioreactor and Boosted Enzyme Stability

Recently, hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs), which are accepted as popular carrier supports in the development of enzyme immobilization strategies, have attracted much attention. In this study, the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized to mesoporous magnetic Fe3O4-NH2 by forming Schiff base compounds and the HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs were then synthesized. Under optimal conditions, 95.0% of the available HRP was immobilized on the Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs. Structural morphology and characterization of synthesized HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs were investigated. The results demonstrated that the average size of HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs was determined to be around 220 nm. The ζ-potential and magnetic saturation values of HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs were -33.58 mV and ∼30 emu/g, respectively. Additionally, the optimum pH, optimum temperature, thermal stability, kinetic parameters, reusability, and storage stability were examined. It was observed that the optimum pH value shifted from 5.0 to pH 8.0 after immobilization, while the optimum temperature shifted from 30 to 80 °C. K m values were calculated to be 15.5502 and 7.6707 mM for free HRP and the HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs, respectively, and V max values were calculated to be 0.0701 and 0.0038 mM min-1. The low K m value observed after immobilization indicated that the affinity of HRP for its substrate increased. The HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs showed higher thermal stability than free HRP, and its residual activity after six usage cycles was approximately 45%. While free HRP lost all of its activity within 120 min at 65 °C, the HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs retained almost all of its activity during the 6 h incubation period at 80 °C. Most importantly, the HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs demonstrated good potential efficiency for the biodegradation of methyl orange, phenol red, and methylene blue dyes. The HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs were used for a total of 8 cycles to degrade methyl orange, phenol red, and methylene blue, and degradation of around 81, 96, and 56% was obtained in 8 h, respectively. Overall, we believe that the HRP@Fe3O4-NH2/hNFs reported in this work can be potentially used in various industrial and environmental applications, particularly for the biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds, such as textile dyes.

Polymer-Supported Heterogeneous Fenton Catalysts for the Environmental Remediation of Wastewater

Materials based on polymer hydrogels have demonstrated potential as innovative Fenton catalysts for treating water. However, developing these polymer-supported catalysts with robust stability presents a significant challenge. This paper explores the development and application of polymer-supported heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for the environmental remediation of wastewater, emphasizing the enhancement of metal incorporation into catalysts for improved efficiency. The study begins with an introduction to the heterogeneous Fenton process and its relevance to wastewater treatment. It further delves into the specifics of polymer-supported heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, focusing on iron oxide, copper complexes/nanoparticles, and ruthenium as key components. The synthesis methods employed to prepare these catalysts are discussed, highlighting the innovative approaches to achieve substantial metal incorporation. Operational parameters such as catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, and the effect of pH on the process efficiency are thoroughly examined. The catalytic performance is evaluated, providing insights into the effectiveness of these catalysts in degrading pollutants. Recent developments in the field are reviewed, showcasing advancements in catalyst design and application. The study also addresses the stability and reusability of polymer-supported heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, critical factors for their practical application in environmental remediation. Environmental applications are explored, demonstrating the potential of these catalysts in addressing various pollutants. The Conclusions offers future perspectives, underlining the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the field, and the importance of further research to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of polymer-supported heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for wastewater treatment.

Biodegradation strategies of veterinary medicines in the environment: Enzymatic degradation

One Health closely integrates healthy farming, human medicine, and environmental ecology. Due to the ecotoxicity and risk of transmission of drug resistance, veterinary medicines (VMs) are regarded as emerging environmental pollutants. To reduce or mitigate the environmental risk of VMs, developing friendly, safe, and effective removal technologies is an important means of environmental remediation for VMs. Many previous studies have proved that biodegradation has significant advantages in removing VMs, and biodegradation based on enzyme catalysis presents higher operability and specificity. This review focused on biodegradation strategies of environmental pollutants and reviewed the enzymatic degradation of VMs including antimicrobial drugs, insecticides, and disinfectants. We reviewed the sources and catalytic mechanisms of peroxidase, laccase, and organophosphorus hydrolases, and summarized the latest research status of immobilization methods and bioengineering techniques in improving the performance of degrading enzymes. The mechanism of enzymatic degradation for VMs was elucidated in the current research. Suggestions and prospects for researching and developing enzymatic degradation of VMs were also put forward. This review will offer new ideas for the biodegradation of VMs and have a guide significance for the risk mitigation and detoxification of VMs in the environment.

Recent Advances in Applications of Oxidases and Peroxidases Polymer-Based Enzyme Biocatalysts in Sensing and Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Oxidase and peroxidase enzymes have attracted attention in various biotechnological industries due to their ease of synthesis, wide range of applications, and operation under mild conditions. Their applicability, however, is limited by their poor stability in harsher conditions and their non-reusability. As a result, several approaches such as enzyme engineering, medium engineering, and enzyme immobilization have been used to improve the enzyme properties. Several materials have been used as supports for these enzymes to increase their stability and reusability. This review focusses on the immobilization of oxidase and peroxidase enzymes on metal and metal oxide nanoparticle-polymer composite supports and the different methods used to achieve the immobilization. The application of the enzyme-metal/metal oxide-polymer biocatalysts in biosensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, pesticides, and herbicides as well as blood components such as cholesterol, urea, dopamine, and xanthine have been extensively reviewed. The application of the biocatalysts in wastewater treatment through degradation of dyes, pesticides, and other organic compounds has also been discussed.

Immobilized horseradish peroxidase on boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer for biocatalytic degradation of phenol in wastewater: Optimized immobilization, degradation and toxicity assessment

The degradation of phenol from wastewater is crucial for environmental protection. Biological enzymes, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), have shown great potential in the degradation of phenol. In this research, we prepared a hollow CuO/Cu2O octahedron adsorbent with a carambola matrix shape through the hydrothermal method. The surface of the adsorbent was modified by silane emulsion self-assembly, where 3-aminophenyl boric acid (APBA) and polyoxometalate (PW9) were combined with silanization reagents and grafted onto the surface. The adsorbent was then molecularly imprinted with dopamine to obtain boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer (Cu@B@PW9@MIPs). This adsorbent was used to immobilize HRP, which served as a biological enzyme catalyst from horseradish. The adsorbent was characterized, and its synthetic conditions, experimental conditions, selectivity, reproducibility, and reusability were evaluated. The maximum adsorption amount of HRP under optimized conditions was 159.1 mg g-1, as determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At pH 7.0, the immobilized enzyme showed a high efficiency of up to 90.0% in removing phenol, after 20 min of reaction with 25 mmol L-1 H2O2 and 0.20 mg mL-1 Cu@B@PW9@HRP. Growth tests of aquatic plants confirmed that the adsorbent reduced harm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) tests revealed that the degraded phenol solution contained about fifteen phenol derivatives intermediates. This adsorbent has the potential to become a promising biological enzyme catalyst for dephenolization.

Developing Enzyme Immobilization with Fibrous Membranes: Longevity and Characterization Considerations

Fibrous membranes offer broad opportunities to deploy immobilized enzymes in new reactor and application designs, including multiphase continuous flow-through reactions. Enzyme immobilization is a technology strategy that simplifies the separation of otherwise soluble catalytic proteins from liquid reaction media and imparts stabilization and performance enhancement. Flexible immobilization matrices made from fibers have versatile physical attributes, such as high surface area, light weight, and controllable porosity, which give them membrane-like characteristics, while simultaneously providing good mechanical properties for creating functional filters, sensors, scaffolds, and other interface-active biocatalytic materials. This review examines immobilization strategies for enzymes on fibrous membrane-like polymeric supports involving all three fundamental mechanisms of post-immobilization, incorporation, and coating. Post-immobilization offers an infinite selection of matrix materials, but may encounter loading and durability issues, while incorporation offers longevity but has more limited material options and may present mass transfer obstacles. Coating techniques on fibrous materials at different geometric scales are a growing trend in making membranes that integrate biocatalytic functionality with versatile physical supports. Biocatalytic performance parameters and characterization techniques for immobilized enzymes are described, including several emerging techniques of special relevance for fibrous immobilized enzymes. Diverse application examples from the literature, focusing on fibrous matrices, are summarized, and biocatalyst longevity is emphasized as a critical performance parameter that needs increased attention to advance concepts from lab scale to broader utilization. This consolidation of fabrication, performance measurement, and characterization techniques, with guiding examples highlighted, is intended to inspire future innovations in enzyme immobilization with fibrous membranes and expand their uses in novel reactors and processes.

A bacterial cold-active dye-decolorizing peroxidase from an Antarctic Pseudomonas strain

DyP (dye-decolorizing peroxidase) enzymes are hemeproteins that catalyze the H₂O₂-dependent oxidation of various molecules and also carry out lignin degradation, albeit with low activity. We identified a dyp gene in the genome of an Antarctic cold-tolerant microbe (Pseudomonas sp. AU10) that codes for a class B DyP. The recombinant protein (rDyP-AU10) was produced using Escherichia coli as a host and purified. We found that rDyP-AU10 is mainly produced as a dimer and has characteristics that resemble psychrophilic enzymes, such as high activity at low temperatures (20 °C) when using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and H₂O₂ as substrates, thermo-instability, low content of arginine, and a catalytic pocket surface larger than the DyPs from some mesophilic and thermophilic microbes. We also report the steady-state kinetic parameters of rDyP-AU10 for ABTS, hydroquinone, and ascorbate. Stopped-flow kinetics revealed that Compound I is formed with a rate constant of (2.07 ± 0.09) × 10⁶ M^-1 s^-1 at pH 5 and that this is the predominant species during turnover. The enzyme decolors dyes and modifies kraft lignin, suggesting that this enzyme may have potential use in bioremediation and in the cellulose and biofuel industries. KEY POINTS: • An Antarctic Pseudomonas strain produces a dye-decolorizing peroxidase. • The recombinant enzyme (rDyP-AU10) was produced in E. coli and purified. • rDyP-AU10 showed high activity at low temperatures. • rDyP-AU10 is potentially useful for biotechnological applications.

Peroxidases-based enticing biotechnological platforms for biodegradation and biotransformation of emerging contaminants

Rampant industrial boom, urbanization, and exponential population growth resulted in widespread environmental pollution, with water being one of the leading affected resources. All kinds of pollutants, including phenols, industrial dyes, antibiotics, pharmaceutically active residues, and persistent/volatile organic compounds, have a paramount effect, either directly or indirectly, on human health and aquatic entities. Strategies for affordable and efficient decontamination of these emerging pollutants have become the prime focus of academic researchers, industry, and government to constitute a sustainable human society. Classical treatment techniques for environmental contaminants are associated with several limitations, such as inefficiency, complex pretreatments, overall high process cost, high sludge generation, and highly toxic side-products formation. Enzymatic remediation is considered a green and ecologically friendlier method that holds considerable potential to mitigate any kinds of contaminating agents. Exploiting the potential of various peroxidases for pollution abatement is an emerging research area and has considerable advantages, such as efficiency and ease of handling, over other methods. This work is designed to provide recent progress in deploying peroxidases as green and versatile biocatalytic tools for the degradation and transformation of a spectrum of potentially hazardous environmental pollutants to broaden their scope for biotechnological and environmental purposes. More studies are required to explicate the degradation mechanisms, assess the toxicology levels of bio-transformed metabolites, and standardize the treatment strategies for economic viability.

Nanomaterial-based electrochemical enzymatic biosensors for recognizing phenolic compounds in aqueous effluents

With the rapid development of industrial society, phenolic pollutants already identified in water are severe threats to human health. Traditional detection techniques like chromatography are poor in the ability of cost-effectiveness and on-site detection. In recent years, electrochemical enzymatic biosensors have attracted increasing attention for use in the recognition of phenolic compounds, which is considered an effective strategy for the product transfer of portable analytical devices. Although electrochemical enzymatic biosensors provide a fast, accurate on-site detection technique, the difficulties of enzyme deactivation, poor stability and low sensitivity remain to be solved. Thus, effective immobilization methods of enzymes and nanomaterials with excellent properties have been extensively researched to obtain a high-sensitivity and high-stability biosensing platform. Simultaneous detection of multiple phenols may become the focus of further research. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress toward electrochemical enzymatic biosensors for the detection of phenolic compounds, including enzyme immobilization approaches and advanced nanomaterials, especially nanocomposites with attractive properties such as good conductivity, high specific surface area, and porous structure. We will comprehensively discuss the features and mechanisms of the main enzymes adopted in the construction of different phenolic biosensors, as well as traditional methods (e.g., adsorption, covalent bonding, entrapment, encapsulation, cross-linking) of enzyme immobilization. The most effective method is based on the properties of enzymes, supports and application objective because there is no one-size-fits-all method of enzymatic immobilization. The emphasis will be given to various advanced nanomaterials, including their special nanostructures, preparation methods and performance. Finally, the main challenges in future research on electrochemical phenolic biosensors will be discussed to provide further perspectives for practical applications in dynamic and on-site monitoring. We believe this review will deliver an important inspiration for the construction of novel and high-performance electrochemical biosensors from enzyme selection to nanomaterial design for the detection of various hazardous materials. We believe this review will deliver an important inspiration on the construction of novel and high-performance electrochemical biosensors from the enzyme selection to the nanomaterial design for detections of various hazardous materials.

Immobilization of Biomass Materials for Removal of Refractory Organic Pollutants from Wastewater

In the field of environmental science and engineering, microorganisms, enzymes and algae are promising biomass materials that can effectively degrade pollutants. However, problems such as poor environmental adaptability, recycling difficulties, and secondary pollution exist in the practical application of non-immobilized biomass materials. Biomass immobilization is a novel environmental remediation technology that can effectively solve these problems. Compared with non-immobilized biomass, immobilized biomass materials have the advantages of reusability and stability in terms of pH, temperature, handling, and storage. Many researchers have studied immobilization technology (i.e., methods, carriers, and biomass types) and its applications for removing refractory organic pollutants. Based on this, this paper reviews biomass immobilization technology, outlines the mechanisms and factors affecting the removal of refractory organic pollutants, and introduces the application of immobilized biomass materials as fillers for reactors in water purification. This review provides some practical references for the preparation and application of immobilized biomass materials and promotes further research and development to expand the application range of this material for water purification.

Biological oxidation methods for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater: A comprehensive review

Enzyme-based bioremediation is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for isolating and removing a wide range of environmental pollutants. This study is a comprehensive review of recent studies on the oxidation of pollutants by biological oxidation methods, performed individually or in combination with other methods. The main bio-oxidants capable of removing all types of pollutants, such as organic and inorganic molecules, from fungi, bacteria, algae, and plants, and different types of enzymes, as well as the removal mechanisms, were investigated. The use of mediators and modification methods to improve the performance of microorganisms and their resistance under harsh real wastewater conditions was discussed, and numerous case studies were presented and compared. The advantages and disadvantages of conventional and novel immobilization methods, and the development of enzyme engineering to adjust the content and properties of the desired enzymes, were also explained. The optimal operating parameters such as temperature and pH, which usually lead to the best performance, were presented. A detailed overview of the different combination processes was also given, including bio-oxidation in coincident or consecutive combination with adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and membrane separation. One of the most important issues that this study has addressed is the removal of both organic and inorganic contaminants, taking into account the actual wastewaters and the economic aspect.

Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase on Magnetite-Alginate Beads to Enable Effective Strong Binding and Enzyme Recycling during Anthraquinone Dyes’ Degradation

The aim of this study was to investigate covalent immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on magnetic nanoparticles (Mag) encapsulated in calcium alginate beads (MABs) for color degradation, combining easy and fast removal of biocatalyst from the reaction mixture due to its magnetic properties and strong binding due to surface alginate functional groups. MABs obtained by extrusion techniques were analyzed by optical microscopy, FEG-SEM and characterized regarding mechanical properties, magnetization and HRP binding. HRP with initial concentration of 10 mg/g_carrier was successfully covalently bonded on MABs (diameter ~1 mm, magnetite/alginate ratio 1:4), with protein loading of 8.9 mg/g_carrier, immobilization yield 96.9% and activity 32.8 U/g. Immobilized HRP on MABs (HRP-MABs) was then used to catalyze degradation of two anthraquinonic dyes, Acid Blue 225 (AB225) and Acid Violet 109 (AV109), as models for wastewater pollutants. HRP-MABs decolorized 77.3% and 76.1% of AV109 and AB225, respectively after 15 min under optimal conditions (0.097 mM H₂O₂, 200 mg of HRP-MABs (8.9 mg/g_carrier), 0.08 and 0.1 g/mg beads/dye ratio for AV109 and AB225, respectively). Biocatalyst was used for 7 repeated cycles retaining 75% and 51% of initial activity for AB225 and AV109, respectively, showing potential for use in large scale applications for colored wastewater treatment.

Biocatalytic System Made of 3D Chitin, Silica Nanopowder and Horseradish Peroxidase for the Removal of 17α-Ethinylestradiol: Determination of Process Efficiency and Degradation Mechanism

The occurrence of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in the environment and its removal have drawn special attention from the scientific community in recent years, due to its hazardous effects on human and wildlife around the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce an efficient enzymatic system for the removal of EE2 from aqueous solutions. For the first time, commercial silica nanopowder and 3D fibrous chitinous scaffolds from Aplysina fistularis marine sponge were used as supports for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilization. The effect of several process parameters onto the removal mechanism of EE2 by enzymatic conversion and adsorption of EE2 were investigated here, including system type, pH, temperature and concentrations of H₂O₂ and EE2. It was possible to fully remove EE2 from aqueous solutions using system SiO₂(HRP)–chitin(HRP) over a wide investigated pH range (5–9) and temperature ranges (4–45 °C). Moreover, the most suitable process conditions have been determined at pH 7, temperature 25 °C and H₂O₂ and EE2 concentrations equaling 2 mM and 1 mg/L, respectively. As determined, it was possible to reuse the nanoSiO₂(HRP)–chitin(HRP) system to obtain even 55% EE2 degradation efficiency after five consecutive catalytic cycles.

Removal of Persistent Sulfamethoxazole and Carbamazepine from Water by Horseradish Peroxidase Encapsulated into Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Electrospun Fibers

Enzymatic conversion of pharmaceutically active ingredients (API), using immobilized enzymes should be considered as a promising industrial tool due to improved reusability and stability of the biocatalysts at harsh process conditions. Therefore, in this study horseradish peroxidase was immobilized into sodium alginate capsules and then trapped into poly(vinyl chloride) electrospun fibers to provide additional enzyme stabilization and protection against the negative effect of harsh process conditions. Due to encapsulation immobilization, 100% of immobilization yield was achieved leading to loading of 25 μg of enzyme in 1 mg of the support. Immobilized in such a way, enzyme showed over 80% activity retention. Further, only slight changes in kinetic parameters of free (K_m = 1.54 mM) and immobilized horseradish peroxidase (K_m = 1.83 mM) were noticed, indicating retention of high catalytic properties and high substrate affinity by encapsulated biocatalyst. Encapsulated horseradish peroxidase was tested in biodegradation of two frequently occurring in wastewater API, sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic) and carbamazepine (anticonvulsant). Over 80% of both pharmaceutics was removed by immobilized enzyme after 24 h of the process from the solution at a concentration of 1 mg/L, under optimal conditions, which were found to be pH 7, temperature 25 °C and 2 mM of H₂O₂. However, even from 10 mg/L solutions, it was possible to remove over 40% of both pharmaceuticals. Finally, the reusability and storage stability study of immobilized horseradish peroxidase showed retention of over 60% of initial activity after 20 days of storage at 4 °C and after 10 repeated catalytic cycles, indicating great practical application potential. By contrast, the free enzyme showed less than 20% of its initial activity after 20 days of storage and exhibited no recycling potential.

Magnetic Carbon Nanofiber Mats for Prospective Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) Sensing Applications

Electrospinning enables simple and cost-effective production of magnetic nanofibers by adding nanoparticles to a polymer solution. In order to increase the electrical conductivity of such nanofibers, the carbonization process is crucial. In this study, the chemical and morphological properties of magnetic nanofiber mats prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/magnetite were investigated. In our previous studies, PAN/magnetite nanofiber mats were carbonized at 500 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C. Here, PAN/magnetite nanofiber mats were carbonized at 1000 °C. The surface morphology of these PAN/magnetite nanofiber mats is not significantly different from nanofiber mats thermally treated at 800 °C and have remained relatively flexible at 1000 °C, which can be advantageous for various application fields. The addition of nanoparticles increased the average fiber diameter compared to pure PAN nanofiber mats and improved the dimensional stability during thermal processes. The high conductivity, the high magnetization properties, as well as shielding against electromagnetic interference of such carbonized nanofibers can be proposed for use in single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), where these properties are advantageous.

Lipase immobilization on glutaraldehyde activated graphene oxide/chitosan/cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibrous membranes and its application on the synthesis of benzyl acetate

In this research, lipase Km12 was immobilized on the glutaraldehyde-activated graphene oxide/chitosan/cellulose acetate nanofibers (GO/Chit/CA NFs) prepared by the electrospinning method. This immobilized lipase exhibited a higher activity value than the free lipase in the acidic pH region. This enzyme showed a 10 °C shift in the maximum temperature activity. Results displayed that the Vmax value of NFs-lipase was 0.64 µmol/min, while it was gained 0.405 µmol/min for the free lipase. The activity of NFs-lipase was reserved 100% after 10 min maintaining at 60 °C, in which the free lipase only kept 75% of its original activity. Moreover, a 20% enhancement in the lipase activity was observed for NFs-lipase after 180 min of incubation at 60 °C, compared to the free enzyme. Reusability studies exhibited that the immobilized lipase well-kept 80% of its original activity after 10 cycles of reusing. Results displayed that 14% of the protein was leaked from NFs-lipase at the same condition. Transesterification results indicated that the free lipase exhibited 65% and 85% conversation level of benzyl acetate after 12 and 24 h of incubation. Besides, the immobilized lipase showed 80% and 95% conversation level at the same condition. These results indicated the high performance of free and immobilized lipase in the production of benzyl acetate for applications in the perfume and cosmetic industries.

Recent Advances in Enzymes for the Bioremediation of Pollutants

Nowadays, pollution of the environment is a huge problem for humans and other organisms' health. Conventional methods of pollutant removal like membrane filtration or ion exchange are not efficient enough to lower the number of pollutants to standard levels. Biological methods, because of their higher efficiency and biocompatibility, are preferred for the remediation of pollutants. These cost-effective and environment-friendly methods of reducing pollutants are called bioremediation. In bioremediation methods, enzymes play the most crucial role. Enzymes can remedy different types of organic and inorganic pollutants, including PAHs, azo dyes, polymers, organocyanides, lead, chromium, and mercury. Different enzymes isolated from various species have been used for the bioremediation of pollutants. Discovering new enzymes and new subtypes with specific physicochemical characteristics would be a promising way to find more efficient and cost-effective tools for the remediation of pollutants.

A review on the origin of nanofibers/nanorods structures and applications

In this review work, we highlight the origin of morphological structures such as nanofibers/nanorods in case of various materials in nano as well as bulk form. In addition, a discussion on different cations of different ionic radii and other intrinsic factors is provided. The materials (ceramic titanates, ferrites, hexaferrites, oxides, organic/inorganic composites, etc.,) exhibiting the nanofibers/nanorods like morphological structures are tabulated. Furthermore, the significance of nanofibers/nanorods obtained from distinct materials is elucidated in multiple scientific and technological fields. At the end, the device applications of these morphological species are also described in the current technology. The nucleation and growth mechanism of α-MnO₂ nanorods using natural extracts from Malus domestica and Vitis vinifera [3].

Nanostructured materials for harnessing the power of horseradish peroxidase for tailored environmental applications

High catalytic efficiency, stereoselectivity, and sustainability outcomes of enzymes entice chemists for considering biocatalytic transformations to supplant conventional synthetic routes. As a green and versatile enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based enzymatic catalysis has been widely employed in a range of biological and chemical transformation processes. Nevertheless, like many other enzymes, HRP is likely to denature or destabilize in harsh realistic conditions due to its intrinsic fragile nature, which results in inevitably shortened lifespan and immensely high bioprocess cost. Enzyme immobilization has proven as a prospective strategy for improving their biocatalytic performance in continuous industrial processes. Nanostructured materials with huge accessible surface area, abundant porous structures, exceptional functionalities, and high chemical and mechanical stability have recently garnered intriguing research interests as novel kinds of supporting matrices for HRP immobilization. Many reported immobilized biocatalytic systems have demonstrated high catalytic performances than that to the free form of enzymes, such as enhanced enzyme efficiency, selectivity, stability, and repeatability due to the protective microenvironments provided by nanostructures. This review delineates an updated overview of HRP immobilization using an array of nanostructured materials. Furthermore, the general physicochemical aspects, improved catalytic attributes, and the robust practical implementations of engineered HRP-based catalytic cues are also discussed with suitable examples. To end, concluding remarks, challenges, and worthy suggestions/perspectives for future enzyme immobilization are also given.

Immobilization of peroxidase on textile carrier materials and their application in the bleaching of colored whey

Textiles represent promising support materials for enzymes. The goal of the present work was to investigate the immobilization of commercial peroxidase on a polyester needle felt and the repeated use in the gentle degradation of norbixin in whey from dairy cheese as a practical application. High enzyme loads were obtained by a 2-step immobilization procedure. First, the number of functional groups on the textile surface was increased by a modification with amino-functional polyvinylamine. Second, the enzyme was immobilized by using 2 types of crosslinking agents. Due to the iron content of peroxidase, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used for the quantitative determination of the enzyme load on the textile. The enzyme activity was evaluated using common 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay for peroxidases. By the variation of enzyme input and crosslinker concentration, a maximal enzyme load of 80 mg/g of textile was achieved, and a maximum specific activity of 57 U/g of textile. For the visualization of the enzyme on the fiber surface, fluorescence microscopy as well as scanning probe microscopy were used. The immobilized peroxidase showed significant activity, even after 50 reuse cycles. In addition, the potential of the new support and enzyme combination in commercial whey bleaching was demonstrated successfully on a 10-L scale.

A Comprehensive Review of the Covalent Immobilization of Biomolecules onto Electrospun Nanofibers

Biomolecule immobilization has attracted the attention of various fields such as fine chemistry and biomedicine for their use in several applications such as wastewater, immunosensors, biofuels, et cetera. The performance of immobilized biomolecules depends on the substrate and the immobilization method utilized. Electrospun nanofibers act as an excellent substrate for immobilization due to their large surface area to volume ratio and interconnectivity. While biomolecules can be immobilized using adsorption and encapsulation, covalent immobilization offers a way to permanently fix the material to the fiber surface resulting in high efficiency, good specificity, and excellent stability. This review aims to highlight the various covalent immobilization techniques being utilized and their benefits and drawbacks. These methods typically fall into two categories: (1) direct immobilization and (2) use of crosslinkers. Direct immobilization techniques are usually simple and utilize the strong electrophilic functional groups on the nanofiber. While crosslinkers are used as an intermediary between the nanofiber substrate and the biomolecule, with some crosslinkers being present in the final product and others simply facilitating the reactions. We aim to provide an explanation of each immobilization technique, biomolecules commonly paired with said technique and the benefit of immobilization over the free biomolecule.

Experimental and theoretical affinity and catalysis studies between halogenated phenols and peroxidases: Understanding the bioremediation potential

Halogenated phenols, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 4-bromophenol (4-BP) are pollutants generated by a various industrial sectors like chemical, dye, paper bleaching, pharmaceuticals or in an agriculture as pesticides. The use of Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the halogenated phenols treatment has already been mentioned, but it is not well understood how the different phenolic substrates can bind in the peroxidase active site nor how these specific interactions can influence in the bioremediation potential. In this work, different removal efficiencies were obtained for phenolic compounds investigated using HRP as catalyst (93.87 and 59.19% to 4BP and 2,4 DCP, respectively). Thus, to rationalize this result based on the interactions of phenols with active center of HRP, we combine computational and experimental methodologies. The theoretical approaches utilized include density functional theory (DFT) calculations, docking simulation and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) technique. Michaelis Menten constant (Km) obtained through experimental methodologies were 2.3 and 0.95 mM to 2,4-DCP and 4-BP, respectively, while the specificity constant (K_cat/K_m) found was 1.44 mM^-1 s^-1 and 0.62 mM^-1 s^-1 for 4-BP and 2,4-DCP, respectively. The experimental parameters appointed to the highest affinity of HRP to 4-BP. According to the molecular docking calculations, both ligands have shown stabilizing intermolecular interaction energies within the HRP active site, however, the 4-BP showed more stabilizing interaction energy (-53.00 kcal mol^-1) than 2,4-dichlorophenol (-49.23 kcal mol^-1). Besides that, oxidative mechanism of 4-BP and 2,4-DCP was investigated by the hybrid QM/MM approach. This study showed that the lowest activation energy values for transition states investigated were obtained for 4-BP. Therefore, by theoretical approach, the compound 4-BP showed the more stabilizing interaction and activation energy values related to the interaction within the enzyme and the oxidative reaction mechanism, respectively, which corroborates with experimental parameters obtained. The combination between experimental and theoretical approaches was essential to understand how the degradation potential of the HRP enzyme depends on the interactions between substrate and the active center cavity of the enzyme.

Preparation of Lipase-Electrospun SiO2 Nanofiber Membrane Bioreactors and Their Targeted Catalytic Ability at the Macroscopic Oil-Water Interface

Lipase is one of the most widely used enzymes in biocatalysis. Because of the special structure of the catalytic active center, lipases show high catalytic activity at oil-water interfaces. Hence, the interface plays a key role in activating and modulating lipase biocatalysis. Compared with traditional catalytic systems that offer interfaces, such as emulsions, a lipase-membrane bioreactor exhibits many obvious advantages when at the macroscopic oil-water system. In our current research, a series of new Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL)-SiO₂ nanofiber membrane (NFM) bioreactors prepared via combined electrospinning and immobilization strategies were reported. These SiO₂ NFMs assisted BCL in reaching the oil-water interface for efficient catalysis. The enzyme loading capacity and catalytic efficiency of BCL-SiO₂ NFMs varied with the surface hydrophobicity of the electrospun NFMs. As the hydrophobicity increased, the activity decreased from 2.43-fold to 0.74-fold that of free BCL. However, the lipase-loading capacity increased obviously when the hydrophobicity of the SiO₂ NFMs increased from 0 to 143°, and no significant change was observed when the hydrophobicity of the SiO₂ NFMs increased from 143 to 153°. The gel trapping technique proved that the hydrolytic activity of the different BCL-SiO₂ NFM bioreactors depends on the contact area of the membrane at the oil-water interface. BCL-SiO₂ NFM, BCL-SiO₂ NFM-C₁₂, and BCL-SiO₂ NFM-C₁₈ retained 32, 83, and 42% of activity, respectively, after five cycles of reuse. The current work was a useful exploration of the construction and modification of lipase-membrane reactors based on electrospun inorganic silicon.

Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on Fe3O4 nanoparticles for enzymatic removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals

The modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were used as a support for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The immobilized enzyme (HRP@Fe₃O₄) was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). According to the results, the optimum concentration of glutaraldehyde (GA) and agitation time were 300 μL and 7 h. HRP was well loaded on the surface of the Fe₃O₄. There was no change in the crystal structure of HRP@Fe₃O₄ compared with Fe₃O₄. The removals of bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) using HRP@Fe₃O₄ had been investigated. The degradation efficiencies of BPA and EE2 catalyzed by HRP@Fe₃O₄ were higher than that of soluble HRP. In addition, HRP@Fe₃O₄ can be reused through magnetic separation. After the fifth repeated use, the removal efficiencies of BPA and EE2 were up to 56% and 48%, respectively. Batch studies of catalyzed oxidation and coagulation on the degradation of BPA and EE2 in the presence of humic acid (HA) were also investigated. The order of the removal efficiencies was HRP+PACl (polyaluminum chloride)+SDS (lauryl sodium sulfate)>HRP+PACl>HRP>HRP+PAM (Polyacrylamide)>HRP+PAM+SDS. The coagulation effect of HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PACl was better than that of HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PAM. The removals of BPA and EE2 were 90.3% and 64.5% by use HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PACl as coagulant, while the removals were 78.7% and 57.6% by use HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PAM as coagulant. SDS had a positive effect on PACl, while a negative effect on PAM. Moreover, the products generated by enzymatic oxidation reaction can be effectively removed after coagulation.

Recent Advances in Electrospun Sustainable Composites for Biomedical, Environmental, Energy, and Packaging Applications

Electrospinning has gained constant enthusiasm and wide interest as a novel sustainable material processing technique due to its ease of operation and wide adaptability for fabricating eco-friendly fibers on a nanoscale. In addition, the device working parameters, spinning solution properties, and the environmental factors can have a significant effect on the fibers' morphology during electrospinning. This review summarizes the newly developed principles and influence factors for electrospinning technology in the past five years, including these factors' interactions with the electrospinning mechanism as well as its most recent applications of electrospun natural or sustainable composite materials in biology, environmental protection, energy, and food packaging materials.

The fabrication of dendrimeric phenylboronic acid-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanoparticles with excellent adsorption performance for the separation and purification of horseradish peroxidase

A dendrimeric phenylboronic acid-affinitive magnetic graphene oxide nanoparticle was synthesized and used to separate and purify HRP.

Preparation of magnetic core-shell Fe3O4@polyaniline composite material and its application in adsorption and removal of tetrabromobisphenol A and decabromodiphenyl ether

Present study described a magnetic adsorption and removal method with prepared magnetic core-shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline microspheres for the removal of two typical BFRs, tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) from water samples. Magnetic core-shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal and two step polymerization method with cheap iron salts and aniline, which were characterized with transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the Fe₃O₄@polyaniline microspheres earned a clear thickness shell of polyaniline (about 50 nm) and a saturation magnetization of 40.4 emu g^-1. The Magnetic core-shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline exhibited excellent adsorption capability and removal rate to TBBPA and BDE 209. The adsorption of TBBPA and BDE 209 all followed pseudo-second order kinetics and agreed well to the Freundlich adsorption isotherms model. The negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG⁰) and positive standard enthalpy change (ΔH⁰) for TBBPA and BDE-209 suggested that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. These results demonstrated that Fe₃O₄@PANI was a good adsorbent and would have a good application prospect in the removal of pollutants from environmental water.

Electrospun fibers and their application in drug controlled release, biological dressings, tissue repair, and enzyme immobilization

Electrospinning is a method of preparing microfibers or nanofibers by using an electrostatic force to stretch the electrospinning fluid. Electrospinning has gained considerable attention in many fields due to its ability to produce continuous fibers from a variety of polymers and composites in a simple way. Electrospun nanofibers have many merits such as diverse chemical composition, easily adjustable structure, adjustable diameter, high surface area, high porosity, and good pore connectivity, which give them broad application prospects in the biomedical field. This review systematically introduced the factors influencing electrospinning, the types of electrospun fibers, the types of electrospinning, and the detailed applications of electrospun fibers in controlled drug release, biological dressings, tissue repair and enzyme immobilization fields. The latest progress of using electrospun fibers in these fields was summarized, and the main challenges to be solved in electrospinning technology were put forward.