Protease‐Containing Silicates as Active Antifouling Materials

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Abstract
Biocatalytic silicates, composite materials composed of α‐chymotrypsin and a silicate prepolymer, were prepared via a two‐step polymerization process following solubilization of the enzyme in the polymerization media. This new approach resulted in active and stable composites, and a calculated half‐life of over 350 days in aqueous buffer at 30 °C. The high stability and activity of this biocatalytic silicate was likely due to the covalent attachment between α‐chymotrypsin and the silicate matrix. The protease‐containing silicate was resistant to fouling by nonselective protein binding, as demonstrated by the dramatically reduced binding of human serum albumin to the silicate material when compared to that of a silicate containing pre‐inactivated α‐chymotrypsin.