The quest for sustainable biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and tailorable properties has put polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) into the research spotlight. However, high production costs and the lack of bioactivity limit their market penetration. To address this, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was combined with a bacterial pigment with strong anticancer activity, prodigiosin (PG), to obtain functionally enhanced PHBV-based biomaterials. The samples were produced in the form of films 115.6–118.8 µm in thickness using the solvent casting method. The effects of PG incorporation on the physical properties (morphology, biopolymer crystallinity and thermal stability) and functionality of the obtained biomaterials were investigated. PG has acted as a nucleating agent, in turn affecting the degree of crystallinity, thermal stability and morphology of the films. All samples with PG had a more organized internal structure and higher melting and degradation temperatures. The calculated degree of crystallinity of the PHBV copolymer was 53%, while the PG1, PG3 and PG3 films had values of 64.0%, 63.9% and 69.2%, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies have shown the excellent anticancer activity of films against HCT116 (colon cancer) cells, thus advancing PHBV biomedical application potential.

BACKGROUND: In this work, fumed nano‐silica (FNS) was chemically modified to amino (AFNS) and subsequently to cyanuric chloride (CCAFNS) modified silica and tested for the immobilization of lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL). The effects of the initial enzyme concentration, immobilization time and buffer ionic strength on immobilization were investigated in order to optimize utilization of the support and determine the mechanism of immobilization. The most active preparations were used to examine thermal and operational stability.RESULTS: The amount of immobilized enzyme increased with increasing enzyme concentration, achieving loadings of 121.3, 104.8 and 61.2 mg per g of FNS, CCAFNS and AFNS, respectively. Lipase immobilized on CCAFNS carrier in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ buffer expressed the highest lipolytic activity (1320 IU g⁻¹ support), while more stable preparations were obtained in 1 mol L⁻¹ buffer.CONCLUSION: Successful modification of silica was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Activity results showed that, depending on the support, immobilization was governed by different interactions. On FNS and AFNS immobilization was exclusively by adsorption, while on CCAFNS after the initial adsorption lipase molecules reoriented and amino groups of the enzyme formed a covalent bond with the chlorine atom of the modified carrier. Improved thermal and operational stability of lipase immobilized on CCAFNS in 1 mol L⁻¹ buffer led to the conclusion that electrostatic interactions have a great role in the immobilization. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Over the past three decades, organic reactions catalyzed by lipase have been extensively studied. To overcome the drawbacks of free enzymes and develop new and sustainable biocatalysts, various insoluble forms of lipases were examined. Especially interesting are lipases immobilized on silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) due to their promising unique and advantageous physicochemical properties. Therefore, the present paper presents an overview of different organic functionalization methods of SiNP surfaces to create a more favorable microenvironment for lipase molecules. Given the high commercial value of lipases in biotechnological applications, the second part of this paper highlights the key industrial sectors utilizing these nanobiocatalysts. This review discusses the key industrial applications of silica-based lipase nanobiocatalysts, including biodiesel production, flavor ester synthesis, and pharmaceutical applications such as racemization. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, particularly the use of immobilized lipases in polymer biodegradation and polymerization reactions. These advances have paved the way for innovative solutions, such as self-degrading bioplastics, which hold significant promise for sustainable materials and environmental protection. This comprehensive overview underscores the transformative potential of lipase–SiNP nanobiocatalysts in both industrial and environmental contexts.