University of Bielefeld researchers develop heat protection for enzymes

Researchers at the University of Bielefeld have developed a method to protect enzymes from heat, allowing them to function at temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius and above. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation in biocatalysis, where enzymes—which are protein molecules—typically undergo denaturation and lose their structural integrity and catalytic activity when exposed to high heat.

To prevent this, the research teams, led by Professor Harald Gröger from the Faculty of Chemistry and Professor Andreas Hütten from the Faculty of Physics, embedded the enzymes within a protective, three-dimensional porous structure made of an organic polymer. This polymer cage acts as a heat shield, maintaining the enzyme's shape and activity while remaining porous enough to allow necessary substances to pass through for chemical reactions.

This development could enable more sustainable chemical manufacturing by allowing enzymes to be used in processes that require high temperatures, potentially replacing metal-based catalysts, saving energy, and reducing waste.