Development Of Immobilized Microenzyme Reactors (IMERs) Of Flavin Monooxygenase And Sulfotransferases Using Magnetic Nano/Microparticles And In-Line Capillary Electrophoresis.

The investigation of the metabolism of new chemical entities is an important step in the drug development process. It preferably takes place at an early stage of this process, and requires quick, affordable and efficient test systems. In this project, we aim to immobilize various metabolizing enzymes like the FMO (Flavin monoxygenase), SULT (sulfotransferase) on magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) accommodated with different functional groups on their surface. These immobilized enzymes will be further used to build IMERs (immobilized microenzyme reactors) in capillary electrophoresis. These MNs can be manipulated by using neodymium magnets which allows trapping them at a desired place along the capillary. When the substrate and the cofactor are injected into the capillary a thorough mixing is brought about by electrophoresis and diffusion. Thus this setup intends to use the immobilized enzyme multiple times therefore allowing multiple usage. Removing the magnets or applying high pressure would flush the MNs out of the capillary. The advantages of this method are as follows (a) there will be less wastage of enzyme and volumes of the reactants are reduced drastically (b) the reaction and separation are happening in the same capillary.nrpages: 139status: publishe