Site-directed spin labeling-electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in biocatalysis: Enzyme orientation and dynamics in nanoscale confinement

Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy probes the otherwise inaccessible structural information complex biological systems. We recently extended SDSL-EPR to reveal relative orientation and backbone dynamics of enzymes upon encapsulation mesoporous nanostructures, which set basis underlying observed biocatalytic activity. Our strategy had generated interest biocatalysis community, thus this resource article, we contribute an introduction principles experimental procedure that generalize heterogeneous biocatalysis. will focus on materials examples demonstrating methods cautions potential pitfalls. The ultimate goal is provide community a powerful fill long-standing knowledge gap structure-function relationship at interface enzyme-mesoporous utilize insights guide rational design porous platforms for enzyme immobilization.