Chun Geng and Paul J. Paukstelis, University of Maryland, USA, used bovine RNase A as a model enzyme to show that enzymes captured in solvent channels of a DNA crystal are catalytically active. The encapsulated enzyme can break the phosphodiester linkage of a quenched fluorescent rUA dinucleotide that containes 5′-dabcyl and 3′-fluorescein moieties with similar kinetic restriction as other immobilized enzyme systems.

This finding opens possibilities for developing modular solid-state catalysts that could be both, biocompatible and biodegradable.

• DNA Crystals as Vehicles for Biocatalysis,
  Chun Geng, Paul J. Paukstelis,
  J. Am. Chm. Soc. 2014.
  DOI: 10.1021/ja502356m