Understanding of the formation of mesocellular-like silica foam particles of nano size and its chemical surface to immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase

Mesocellular foam (MCF)-like silica particles were produced from a nanometric mesoporous silica material with unique characteristics. Conditions during synthesis play a crucial role in the porous properties and chemical surface of MCF silica. In this work, the effects of various factors, including the H+/silica source molar ratio, the presence of a mineralizing agent, synthesis temperature, and the presence of combined surfactants (e.g., P123 and CTAB), on the porous properties of MCF silica were assessed. Additionally, the surface of these particles was modified with amine groups to evaluate performance as support for enzymatic immobilization. Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase was immobilized on the surfaces of nanoparticles functionalized with amine groups at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. Under these conditions, the enzyme had a net negative charge (pI = 4.4), while the functionalized particles had a net positive charge, which promotes enzymatic interactions.