Enzymatic Conversion of Atmospheric Aldehydes into Alcohol in a Phospholipid Polymer Film

We developed a unique method for converting atmospheric aldehyde into alcohol using formaldehyde dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida (PFDH) doped in a polymer film. A film of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (PMB), which has a chemical structure similar to that of a biological membrane, was employed for its biocompatibility. A water-incorporated polymer film entrapping PFDH and its cofactor NAD(+) was obtained by drying a buffered solution of PMB, PFDH, and NAD(+). The aldehydes in the air were absorbed into the polymer film and then enzymatically oxidized by PFDH doped in the PMB film. Interestingly, alcohol and carboxylic acid were produced by the enzymatic reaction, indicating that PFDH catalyzes dismutation of aldehyde in the PMB film. Importantly, a PFDH-PMB film catalyzes aldehyde degradation without consuming the nucleotide cofactor, thereby allowing repeated use of the film. The activity of PFDH in the PMB film was higher than that in other common water-soluble polymers, suggesting that the hydrational state in a phospholipid polymer matrix is suitable for enzymatic activity.