Catalytic Active Hollow Fiber Membranes with an Enzyme-embedded MOF Coating

Abstract

Enzymatic reactions have the potential to enable a greener production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Enzyme stability, -recycling, and the implementation into a continuous process are vital points for the commercial success of enzymatic reactions. Recent publications revealed the suitability of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as an enzyme immobilization matrix, with increased physiochemical stability. However, the separation of these enzyme MOFs and the additional transport resistances are still challenging. We report for the first time the in-situ biomineralization of enzymes into MOF structures via interfacial crystallization. This method proves to be effective for the selective coating of porous polymeric hollow fibers in a straightforward one-step process. We produced well adhering and stable enzyme embedded MOF layers with high enzymatic activity. The fusion of the enzymatic active layer and the hollow fiber membrane enables the continuous enzymatic reaction by the combination of permeation and reaction. The results show the successful improvement of the enzymatic activity due to the convective transport of educts and products to the enzymatic active centers during permeation.