Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable pHEMA-starch composites for immobilization of L-asparaginase

In this paper, poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-starch (pHEMA-S) composites were prepared from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and different ratio starch. The pHEMA-S showed high thermal stability and biodegradability. The biodegradability of pHEMA-S composites was in the range of 14-22 % for 4 weeks depending on the starch ratio of pHEMA-S. Then, L-ASNase was immobilized onto pHEMA-S composites. The immobilized L-ASNase was investigated with optimum temperature, pH and kinetic parameters. Immobilization improved the pH stability and thermal stability of the enzyme. The K-m values were 1.58 and 0.56 mM for free and immobilized enzyme, respectively.