Enzyme-encapsulated protein frameworks to boost multi-step biocatalysis
Official title: Enzyme-encapsulated protein frameworks for optimized cascade biocatalysis
Funded at California State University Fresno · NIH-11384181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are building enzyme-packed, virus-like particles in a solid scaffold to make multi-step chemical reactions faster and reuse the catalysts longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fresno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fresno, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $140,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM159665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this grant is a basic science/engineering study and does not involve patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking direct treatment will not be eligible or directly affected by this project.
What this research studies
This project designs self-assembled protein frameworks that trap enzyme-packed virus-like particles to create a compact, efficient cascade from glucose to pyruvate. It will systematically vary how enzymes are arranged and how accessible substrates are to understand what makes the cascade work best. The study uses a well-established, cell-free glucose-to-pyruvate pathway to test how structure and stability affect overall performance. Outcomes will tell us how to design durable, reusable biocatalysts for complex chemical processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, greener biocatalytic processes used in manufacturing essential bio-based products and medicines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with enzyme-encapsulated frameworks and virus-like particles has shown promise in improving stability and activity in biocatalysis.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fresno
Fresno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uchida, Masaki — California State University Fresno
- Study coordinator: Uchida, Masaki
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.