This invention provides a method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme into
polyurethane coatings. This invention also provides for an enzyme-containing coating
having a degree of immobilization of the enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis
of waterborne polyurethane coatings in the presence of enzyme has enabled the irreversible
attachment of the enzyme to the polymeric matrix. The distribution of immobilized
enzyme as well as activity retention are homogeneous within the coating. Decreasing
ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic polyisocyanate prepolymer
during polymerization, significantly enhanced the intrinsic activity of the ECC.
