Numerous
metabolic reactions and pathways use adenosine 5′-triphosphate
(ATP) as an energy source and as a phosphorous or pyrophosphorous
donor. Based on three-dimensional (3D)-printing, enzyme immobilization
can be used to improve ATP regeneration and operability and reduce
cost. However, due to the relatively large mesh size of 3D-bioprinted
hydrogels soaked in a reaction solution, the lower-molecular-weight
enzymes cannot avoid leaking out of the hydrogels readily. Here, a
chimeric adenylate-kinase-spidroin (ADK-RC) is created, with ADK serving
as the N-terminal domain. The chimera is capable of self-assembling
to form micellar nanoparticles at a higher molecular scale. Although
fused to spidroin (RC), ADK-RC remains relatively consistent and exhibits
high activity, thermostability, pH stability, and organic solvent
tolerance. Considering different surface-to-volume ratios, three shapes
of enzyme hydrogels are designed, 3D bioprinted, and measured. In
addition, a continuous enzymatic reaction demonstrates that ADK-RC
hydrogels have higher specific activity and substrate affinity but
a lower reaction rate and catalytic power compared to free enzymes
in solution. With ATP regeneration, the ADK and ADK-RC hydrogels significantly
increase the production of d-glucose-6-phosphate and obtain
an efficient usage frequency. In conclusion, enzymes fused to spidroin
might be an efficient strategy for maintaining activity and reducing
leakage in 3D-bioprinted hydrogels under mild conditions.
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