Enhanced activity of α-chymotrypsin in organic media using designed molecular staples

We report the enhancement of α-chymotrypsin activity in organic solvents using modified peptides bearing two crown ethers. The transesterification of N-acetyl-l-phenylalanine ethyl ester with 1-propanol was used as model reaction. Co-lyophilization of crown ether modified peptides with α-chymotrypsin prior to use resulted in an increase of enzyme catalytic activity in non-aqueous media. The efficiency of enzyme activation is dependent on the amino acid sequence of peptidic additives and on the positions of the amino acids bearing the crown ligand.