Solubilization and refolding of inclusion body proteins in reverse micelles.

Today, many valuable proteins can be obtained in sufficient amounts using recombinant DNA techniques. However, frequently the expression of recombinant proteins results in the accumulation of the product in dense amorphous deposits inside the cells, called inclusion bodies. The challenge then is to transform these inactive and misfolded protein aggregates into soluble bioactive forms.

Stabilization and activation of alpha-chymotrypsin in water-organic solvent systems by complex formation with oligoamines.

Formation of enzyme-oligoamine complexes was suggested as an approach to obtain biocatalysts with enhanced resistance towards inactivation in water-organic media. Complex formation results in broadening (by 20-40% v/v ethanol) of the range of cosolvent concentrations where the enzyme retains its catalytic activity (stabilization effect). At moderate cosolvent concentrations (20-40% v/v) complex formation activates the enzyme (by 3-6 times).