250: Effects of fatty acid ionic liquids on tyrosinase activity

Abstract: Fatty acid ionic liquids (FAILs) can form micelles in aqueous solution and are often non-toxic. Therefore, FAILs are potential biomaterials for protein encapsulation with applications in diverse fields. Encapsulation of enzymes by FAILs may be able to alter their biocatalytic activities. As a model system, we have studied the effects of FAILs on the enzyme tyrosinase, which oxidizes tyrosine. This presentation will show results from tyrosinase enzyme activity assays in the presence of different biocompatible FAILs in solution. Enzyme rates and rate constants are reported for assays performed when both enzyme and substrate are prepared in the presence of FAILs, and are shown to differ significantly from the values for tyrosinase in conventional physiological environments.