Proteins immobilization with functional mesoporous

IUPAC classification, mesoporous materials are defined as porous materials with diameters in the range 2-50 nm, which is rather dose to the dimensions of functional biomolecules such as proteins. Therefore, unexplored phenomena and functions could be observed for biomolecules confined in mesopore channels due to their restricted motion and orientation. In this chapter, we briefly introduce recent developments on the immobilization of biomolecules in mesoporous media, where the use of mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon are mainly discussed. 

Addition of third components to nanohybrids of proteins and mesoporous materials sometimes brings advantages in their functions. Kim, Hyeon, and coworkers immobilized enzyme molecules together with magnetite (Fe304) nanoparticles in hierarchically ordered, mesocellular, mesoporous silica (HMMS) (Figure 4.25)... 

Mesoporous materials with controlled porosity and functionality have been used to immobilize biomolecules, e.g., proteins. Enzymes of small or medium size such as cytochromes, oxidases, peroxidases, lipases or proteases, can be immobilized via physical adsorption, encapsulation, or chemical binding. Such immobilization was found to maintain some activity of the biomolecule, with applications in the biosensor field. Recently, some developments have been reported in the immobilization of redox proteins in mesoporous transparent electrodes for... 

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