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Accelerating Enzymatic Catalysis Using Vortex Fluidics
Author(s) -
Britton Joshua,
Meneghini Luz M.,
Raston Colin L.,
Weiss Gregory A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201604014
Subject(s) - aldolase a , enzyme , enzyme catalysis , chemistry , vortex , catalysis , fluidics , acceleration , mechanics , biochemistry , physics , classical mechanics , aerospace engineering , engineering
Abstract Enzymes catalyze chemical transformations with outstanding stereo‐ and regio‐specificities, but many enzymes are limited by their long reaction times. A general method to accelerate enzymes using pressure waves contained within thin films is described. Each enzyme responds best to specific frequencies of pressure waves, and an acceleration landscape for each protein is reported. A vortex fluidic device introduces pressure waves that drive increased rate constants ( k cat ) and enzymatic efficiency ( k cat / K m ). Four enzymes displayed an average seven‐fold acceleration, with deoxyribose‐5‐phosphate aldolase (DERA) achieving an average 15‐fold enhancement using this approach. In solving a common problem in enzyme catalysis, a powerful, generalizable tool for enzyme acceleration has been uncovered. This research provides new insights into previously uncontrolled factors affecting enzyme function.