Production of Bioactive Cellulose Films Reconstituted from Ionic Liquids

A new method for introducing enzymes into cellulosic matrixes which can be formed into membranes, films, or beads has been developed using a cellulose-in-ionic-liquid dissolution and regeneration process. Initial results on the formation of thin cellulose films incorporating dispersed laccase indicate that active enzyme-encapsulated films can be prepared using this methodology and that precoating the enzyme with a second, hydrophobic ionic liquid prior to dispersion in the cellulose/ionic liquid solution can provide an increase in enzyme activity relative to that of untreated films, presumably by providing a stabilizing microenvironment for the enzyme.