A method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme in a polyurethane and an
enzyme-containing polyurethane having a degree of immobilization of the
enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis of waterborne polyurethanes
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 polyurethane.
Decreasing ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic
polyisocyanate prepolymer during polymerization, significantly enhanced
the intrinsic activity of the ECC.