Hollow Zeolite Microspheres Give Enzymes a Home: A Hybrid Heterogeneous Catalyst for Chemoenzymatic Cascade Reactions

We propose a new strategy for the preparation of a hybrid catalyst based on the TS-1 zeolite and on glucose oxidase. The design allows to combine all the features of the zeolite with a high enzyme loading. The method is based on the aerosol-assisted self-assembly of TS-1 nanocrystals to form hollow mesoporous zeolite microspheres with tailored texture and good epoxidation activity in water. The latter spheres were subsequently loaded with various amounts of enzymes which were then cross-linked to secure their entrapment. Thus, the hollow spheres were used both as catalysts and as vessels for the enzyme. The chemo-enzymatic formation of epoxides by tandem catalysis is demonstrated.