Improvement of thermal‑stability of chondroitinase ABCI immobilized on graphene oxide for the repair of spinal cord injury

Scientific Reports, 2023 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45555-9 · Published: October 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can be treated using chondroitinase ABC I (cABCI). However, the enzyme is thermally unstable, complicating its delivery to target tissues. Immobilizing cABCI on nanosheets like graphene oxide (GO) can enhance its stability and delivery efficiency. This study immobilized cABC I on GO, produced from graphene, and examined the immobilization using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The enzyme's activity and thermal stability, both free and immobilized, were evaluated. Results showed the immobilized enzyme had greater stability, retaining 30% of its activity at 37 °C after 100 minutes, compared to 5% for the free enzyme. GO nanosheets are suitable for immobilizing cABC I, improving its stability for axonal regeneration.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level N/A, In vitro study

Key Findings

1
Immobilization of cABC I on GO resulted in a greater Km and lower Vmax compared to the free enzyme.
2
The thermal stability of cABC I was greatly improved upon immobilization on GO at various temperatures.
3
GO nanosheets enhance the enzyme's stability, improving its capability to support axonal regeneration and guard against fast degradation.

Research Summary

This study successfully synthesized GO using a modified Hummer's method and immobilized cABC I on it, characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The immobilized cABC I on GO followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, exhibiting a lower Vmax and higher Km compared to the free enzyme. Immobilization on graphene oxide significantly enhanced the enzyme's stability at all tested temperatures, suggesting GO can be an effective stabilizing drug delivery system.

Practical Implications

Improved Enzyme Stability

The immobilization of cABC I on graphene oxide significantly enhances the thermal stability of the enzyme, potentially improving its effectiveness in therapeutic applications.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Graphene oxide serves as an effective carrier for the enzyme, offering a promising drug delivery system for spinal cord injury treatment.

Enhanced Axonal Regeneration

The enhanced stability of cABC I on GO improves its capability to support axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury, contributing to functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
Further experimental testing is required to validate the in vitro findings in in vivo models.
2
The study does not fully explore the long-term effects and biocompatibility of GO in vivo.
3
The potential influence of protein corona on the activity of the immobilized enzyme in the body’s cellular fluids requires further investigation.

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