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A81 - Protein Polymers
Polymer-protein conjugation is a strong way to enhance enzyme stability and functionality, but preserving native structure and activity remains a challenge.
A81 - Protein Polymers
Mentor: Dominik Konkolewicz, Ph.D.
Polymer-protein conjugation is a strong way to enhance enzyme stability and functionality, but preserving native structure and activity remains a challenge. In this study, lysozyme was conjugated with polymers of various chain lengths and chemistries. First, monomers were synthesized and conjugated to lysozyme. The success of conjugation was assessed, followed by an activity assay to test the effectiveness of the conjugate. Finally, the structural integrity of the secondary form of lysozyme was assessed following modification. Analysis demonstrated that the strength and stability of the enzymes depended on both the polymer and its chain length. Overall, this study demonstrates that both structure and chain length of polymers will influence preservation and enzymatic function.