Bioencapsulation within synthetic polymers (Part 2): non-sol-gel protein-polymer biocomposites

Since the introduction of sol-gel bioencapsulation and the demonstration th at biological function can be incorporated into, and preserved within, poly mer matrices, a number of alternative polymers have been used to immobilize proteins. Various enzymes have been trapped in such diverse polymers as ep oxy-amine resins, polyvinyl plastics, polyurethane foams and silicone elast omers. Together with sol-gel encapsulates, these biocomposites represent a powerful approach for immobilizing biological materials for applications as biosensors and biocatalysts, and hold promise as bioactive, fouling-resist ant polymers for environmental, food and medical uses. Although still at th e developmental stage, these biocomposites promise to revolutionize the who le arena of high-performance bioimmobilization.