Giant molecular cage protects plastic-eating enzyme

Trapping a plastic-degrading enzyme in a synthetic nanocage protects it from breaking down under heat or in organic solvents. While the caged enzyme retains all of its catalytic activity, it withstands temperatures much hotter than its usual melting point and becomes 1000 times more resistant to solvents. Similar nanocages could protect and extend the life of protein-based drugs, vaccines or diagnostics.