Fen Ye1, Ping Wang2, and H. Michael Cheung1. (1) Chemical Engineering, University of Akron, 200 E. Buchtel Commons, Akron, OH 44325, (2) Dept. of Chemical Engineering, The University of Akron, 200 E. Buchtel Commons, Akron, OH 44325
The enzyme beta-galactosidase was encapsulated by photopolymerizing a precursor bicontinuous microemulsion. The microemulsion contained the beta-galactosidase, methyl methacrylate(MMA), acrylic acid(AA), a small amount of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and the biocompatible surfactant Plurnic F127. The presence of the beta-galactosidase at a concentration level of 5 mg/g did not affect the phase behavior of the microemulsion. Photopolymerization was accomplished using visible light with 2 wt% 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetophenone as the photoinitiator. Swelling behavior of the synthesized polymer was pH-dependent. The encapsulation efficiency and activity of the enzyme were also determined in releasing medium with different pH. This system will be a promising candidate for oral administration of enzyme.