Metal–Organic Framework-Encapsulated Transglutaminase Biocatalyst: Enhancing Operational Stability and Freshness Retention in Food Coatings
Jiao Yu, Jie Chen, Mengqing Liu, Hui Zhou, Guoping Zhu, Baojuan Wang
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Abstract
Food packaging films, enzymatically cross-linked using transglutaminase (TG), have demonstrated significant potential for eco-friendly packaging applications due to their biodegradability and nontoxicity. However, the inherent fragility of natural enzymes, such as instability and nonreusability, poses significant challenges for TG in the fabrication of these films. Herein, TG was immobilized within HKUST-1 (a copper-based metal-organic framework) via in situ biomineralization with ultrasound assistance and employed to cross-link zein for preparing biodegradable films. TG@HKUST-US demonstrated 140% enzymatic activity compared to the free enzyme, while also enhancing thermal and pH stability. The composite further improved the pH tolerance and exhibited significantly enhanced stability in or