Engineering Thermoresponsive Enzyme–Polymer\nConjugates via Glycan-Selective <i>In Situ</i> Polymerization\nfor Recyclable Homogeneous Biocatalysis

Enzymes are crucial for various technological\napplications, but\ntheir inherent instability and short lifespan pose challenges. This\nstudy presents facile immobilized enzyme technology with the development\nof thermoresponsive enzyme–polymer conjugates (EPCs), using\nglucose oxidase (GOx) as a model enzyme, to address these limitations.\nBy conjugating heteropolymers to the glycan moieties of GOx through\na precise <i>in situ</i> polymerization process, we could\nmodulate the lower critical solution temperature of the EPCs, enhancing\nenzyme performance without compromising its active site. The EPCs\ndemonstrate a switchable behavior that facilitates efficient homogeneous\ncatalysis and easy heterogeneous separation, reducing costs and environmental\nimpact in industrial applications. Our strategy presents a versatile\nplatform for creating efficient biocatalysts with tunable properties,\nmarking a step forward in sustainable and cost-effective bioprocessing.