Cellulose-based functional polycarbonates as degradable enzyme carriers

Cellulose-based matrices are expected to be ideal enzyme carriers due to their sustainability and biocompatibility. However, the linkages between immobilized enzymes and celluloses often suffer from low-density and non-biodegradability, leading to inefficient loading of enzymes as well as persistent generation of solid wastes after reuse. In the present study, cellulose-based functional materials with degradable polycarbonates brushes have been successfully synthesized as enzyme carriers via ring-opening polymerization of 5-methyl-5-allyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one (MAC) following with ally epoxidation of MAC units. After covalent bonding with laccase, the resulting HPC-PMAC-Laccase could assemble in aqueous solution to form spherical nanoparticles with an enzyme immobilization efficiency of 88%. The immobilized laccase showed more tolerance towards pH and high temperature compared with free laccase. Moreover, the immobilized laccase demonstrated effective removal efficiency of bisphenol A and reached 83% in 3 h. After repeated usage for 8 times, the HPC-PMAC-Laccase still maintained relatively high enzyme activity. Especially, the polycarbonates brushes in the enzyme carriers could be totally hydrolyzed in 12 h to achieve its degradable property. Graphical abstract Cellulose-based functional polycarbonates as degradable enzyme carriers.