Solid, Noncovalent Formulation of Biocatalysts for Rapid and Accurate Submilligram Dosing to Microtiter Plates

Abstract

High-throughput experimentation has become increasingly important in the identification and optimization of enzymatic reactions. Unfortunately, traditional methods of preparing biocatalyst screens can be operationally demanding and expose the catalyst to potentially damaging conditions. In an advance on traditional methods, we were able to noncovalently load enzyme-containing powders on inert carrier beads, which, in concert with solid-dispensing robots, enable accurate submilligram dosing of catalyst to microtiter screening reactions. This formulation has been demonstrated to possess comparable activity and selectivity to traditional catalyst dispersal methods with the bonus of increased stability. This technique will dramatically increase the ease, speed, and accuracy with which enzymatic reactions can be screened.