Preparation of lipase/Zn₃(PO₄)₂ hybrid nanoflower and its catalytic performance as an immobilized enzyme

A facile and rapid method is reported in this paper to prepare a novel immobilized enzyme named lipase/Zn₃(PO₄)₂ hybrid nanoflower. The growth mechanism of the nanoflower has been studied in detail and can be described as the following four steps: crystallization and coordination, in-situ precipitation, self-assembly, size growth. Addition amount of lipase, reaction temperature and stirring form affect the morphology and lipase content of the hybrid nanoflower. Besides, the catalytic performance of lipase/Zn₃(PO₄)₂ hybrid nanoflower was investigated and the optimal catalytic conditions have been found. The maximum enzyme activity was 855 ± 13 U/g. In comparison with the free lipase, the enzyme activity increment of hybrid nanoflower is 147%. Meanwhile, the unique nanostructure makes lipase/Zn₃(PO₄)₂ hybrid nanoflower an excellent operational stabilizer. The results indicate that the well-designed materials should be useful in industrial enzyme catalysis.