Bio-inspired cross-linked microgels with catalytic function.

by Sharma, Babloo; Orizu, Ifedi; Striegler, Susanne

Bio-inspired microgels with glycosidase functionality are synthesized from acrylate monomers in presence of monosaccharides and a selection of competitive glycosidase inhibitors using the miniemulsion polymn. approach. The resulting macromol. material shows high activity toward the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in the physiol. pH range. The obsd. activity is attributed to a synergy of interactions that encompass the immobilization of a metal complex in a hydrophobic matrix and an optimized degree of crosslinking, which will be discussed in detail.