Silica nanotubes-doped alginate gel for yeast alcohol dehydrogenase immobilization

A novel alginate–silica nanotubes (ALG–SiNTs) composite was prepared through the incorporation of silica nanotubes (SiNTs) into the alginate (ALG) gel followed by Ca²⁺ cross-linking for encapsulating yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH, EC 1.1.1.1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pre-adsorption of YADH onto the surface of SiNTs before encapsulating in alginate gel was adopted to circumvent the enzyme leakage. AFM and SEM characterization confirmed that YADH molecules were substantially adsorbed on the SiNTs. SEM and EDX studies showed that the SiNTs homogenously distributed in alginate matrix. The enzyme leakage from ALG–SiNTs–YADH composite was remarkably reduced about 50% compared to that of ALG–YADH composite. Meanwhile, the optimum reaction condition, catalytic activity and kinetic parameters of immobilized YADH in ALG–SiNTs composite were studied. The results showed that stronger affinity between substrates and enzyme, higher activity retention, improved storage and operational stability were achieved when YADH was immobilized in ALG–SiNTs composite instead of ALG–YADH composite.