Enzyme Immobilization: The Quest for Optimum Performance

Abstract

Immobilization is often the key to optimizing the operational performance of an enzyme in industrial processes, particularly for use in non-aqueous media. Different methods for the immobilization of enzymes are critically reviewed. The methods are divided into three main categories, viz. (i) binding to a prefabricated support (carrier), (ii) entrapment in organic or inorganic polymer matrices, and (iii) cross-linking of enzyme molecules. Emphasis is placed on relatively recent developments, such as the use of novel supports, e.g., mesoporous silicas, hydrogels, and smart polymers, novel entrapment methods and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs).

Immobilization of Amano Lipase A onto Stöber silica surface: process characterization and kinetic studies

“…Low thermal stability, narrow pH range and a fast decrease in the catalytic activity are the main factors that limit the industrial use of lipases [3,4]. Lipase immobilization has been proposed to improve its stability and activity [5,6]. Among many methods proposed for protein immobilization, the most important and useful is immobilization by adsorption [7][8][9].…”

Potential Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles as Novel Support in Enzyme Immobilization

“…The properties of immobilized enzymes are governed by the properties of both the enzymes and the support materials (Sheldon, 2007). The interaction between the two lends an immobilized enzyme specific physico-chemical and kinetic properties that may be decisive for its practical application and thus, a support judiciously chosen can significantly enhance the operational performance of the immobilized system (Krajewska, 2004).…”

“…Therefore, application of solid phase biocatalysts has become more and more important during the last decades (Biro et al, 2008). Immobilized enzymes have a great importance in industrial bioprocesses especially in food, nutritional and pharmaceutical technologies (Sheldon, 2007). There are several reasons for using an enzyme in an immobilized form.…”

“…There are several methods used to immobilize enzymes and three of the most common methods are physical adsorption, entrapment (encapsulation) and cross linking or covalently binding to a support (Janssen et al, 2002;Sheldon, 2007). For practical purposes, carrier beads with size falling into millimeter range are mainly used.…”

“…Diffusion of macromolecules in porous structures is hindered in comparison to diffusion in free solution (Schroder et al, 2006). Various supports have been used for enzymes immobilization such as synthetic organic polymers, biopolymers, hydrogels, smart polymers and inorganic Science Publications AJBB supports (Katchalski-Katzir and Kraemer, 2000;Lozinsky et al, 2003;Sheldon, 2007;Salemi, 2010). A variety of biopolymers, mainly water insoluble polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, agarose and chitosan and proteins such as gelatin and albumin have been widely used as supports for immobilizing enzymes (Krajewska, 2004;Spahn and Minteer, 2008).…”