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Updated: May 12, 2026
09:27
Immobilization of Multi-biocatalysts in Alginate Beads for Cofactor Regeneration and Improved Reusability
Published on: April 22, 2016
Enzyme immobilisation in biocatalysis: why, what and how
Roger A Sheldon1, Sander van Pelt
1Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 136, Delft 2628BL, The Netherlands. r.a.sheldon@tudelft.nl
Chemical Society Reviews
|March 28, 2013
Summary
Enzyme immobilization enhances stability and recyclability for green biocatalysis. This key technology improves enzyme usability in sustainable chemical manufacturing, offering practical advantages over free enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Enzyme Technology
- Green Chemistry and Sustainable Manufacturing
Background:
- Biocatalysis is crucial for sustainable chemical production.
- Free enzymes often lack the stability and recyclability required for industrial applications.
- Enzyme immobilization is a key enabling technology for commercial biocatalysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of enzyme immobilization techniques.
- To discuss the rationale and benefits of immobilizing enzymes for biocatalysis.
- To highlight recent advancements in immobilization methods and materials.
Main Methods:
- Overview of three primary immobilization categories: adsorption, encapsulation, and cross-linking.
- Discussion of critical parameters: yield, efficiency, activity recovery, enzyme loading, and physical properties.
- Consideration of reactor configuration and downstream processing impacts.
Main Results:
- Immobilization significantly improves enzyme stability and recyclability.
- Advantages include reduced product contamination and lower allergenicity.
- Novel supports (mesoporous silicas, hydrogels, smart polymers) and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) show promise.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme immobilization is essential for the practical and commercial viability of biocatalysis.
- The choice of immobilization method and support material is critical for process optimization.
- Continued development in immobilization technologies will further advance sustainable chemical manufacturing.
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