Biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles for rapid hydrolysis of ester compounds.

Abstract: Enzyme-inspired inorganic materials as biomimetic catalysts were synthesized for rapid hydrolysis of ester compounds through the surface functionalization of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs). Three functional groups such as amine, imidazole, and carboxyl group were grafted onto the silica surface of Si-MNPs to mimic catalytic triad (Ser195, His57, and Asp102). Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters show that the catalytic efficiency for substrate (p-nitrophenyl butyrate) was observed in the order of multi->imidazole>carboxyl>amine group functionality. Furthermore, the reaction rate of the multi-functionalized Si-MNPs was highly improved than natural enzyme for hydrolysis of esters with long-length carbon chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]