Immobilized biocatalytic process development and potential application in membrane separation: a review

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Chemical Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biocatalytic membrane reactors (MBRs) are extensively utilized across diverse industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental treatment.
• These reactors offer significant advantages over traditional chemical catalysts, promoting process intensification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of immobilized enzymatic processes within MBRs.
• To highlight the benefits of MBRs, including reduced energy consumption and system size.
• To discuss factors influencing MBR performance and their applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of various enzyme immobilization techniques and their impact on reactor performance.
• Analysis of reactor configurations and operational parameters affecting MBR efficiency.
• Examination of enzyme stability and hydrodynamic characteristics within immobilized systems.

Main Results:

• MBRs demonstrate superior performance compared to free-enzyme systems and packed bed reactors.
• Key advantages include large immobilization surface area, enzyme reusability, enhanced product recovery, and continuous operation.
• MBR performance is significantly influenced by substrate concentration, matrix material, and immobilization type.

Conclusions:

• Immobilized enzymes in MBRs represent a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional chemical catalysis.
• MBRs are crucial for process intensification, offering economic and environmental benefits.
• The technology has broad applicability in sugar, starch, dairy, pharmaceutical industries, and energy generation.