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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Immobilization of Multi-biocatalysts in Alginate Beads for Cofactor Regeneration and Improved Reusability

Immobilization of Multi-biocatalysts in Alginate Beads for Cofactor Regeneration and Improved Reusability

Published on: April 22, 2016

Improving immobilized biocatalysts by gel phase polymerization.

W Y Kuu¹, J A Polack

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|August 1, 1983

Summary

This study introduces a novel method to strengthen gel supports for immobilizing microbial cells and enzymes. The polyacrylamide treatment enhances mechanical strength, preventing rupture during processes like ethanol fermentation.

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Biochemical Engineering
Materials Science

Background:

Gel-type supports are crucial for immobilizing microbial cells and enzymes.
Existing supports often lack mechanical strength, leading to rupture during fermentation.
Gas production and cell growth can compromise the integrity of immobilized biocatalyst beads.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a method for enhancing the mechanical strength of gel-type supports.
To improve the durability of immobilized microbial cells and enzymes for industrial applications.
To maintain the catalytic activity of biocatalysts after support treatment.

Main Methods:

Agar or carrageenan gels were treated with polyacrylamide.
Monomers (acrylamide, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide) and an accelerator diffused into gel beads.
Polymerization was initiated within the beads to form a rigid support structure.
The treated gels were used for continuous glucose to ethanol fermentation.

Main Results:

The polyacrylamide treatment resulted in gel supports with high mechanical strength.
Treated biocatalyst beads maintained their size, shape, and high catalytic activity.
Continuous ethanol fermentation demonstrated sustained gel bead rigidity for over two months.
Maximum productivity reached 50 g h(-1) L(-1) gel with no significant decay in cell activity.

Conclusions:

The polyacrylamide treatment effectively enhances the mechanical stability of gel-type biocatalyst supports.
This method is suitable for robust immobilization of microbial cells and enzymes in bioreactors.
The enhanced supports are ideal for continuous fermentation processes, offering high productivity and durability.