Cellulose and cellulose-based materials for enzyme immobilization: a review

Enzymes are highly efficient natural catalysts with exceptional selectivity, often surpassing synthetic alternatives in accelerating chemical reactions. Their water solubility enables their application in various technological processes aligned with modern green chemistry trends. However, enhancing enzyme performance is often necessary, primarily by improving reusability and extending their operational lifespan. A promising strategy to achieve these goals is enzyme immobilization, particularly on cellulose. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer, possesses valuable properties such as cost-effectiveness and low toxicity, making it an ideal candidate for applications in food and biomedical technologies. Additionally, cellulose-based immobilization can contribute to the development of enzyme formulations with improved catalytic efficiency and stability. This review summarizes over two hundred studies conducted in the past decade on enzyme immobilization on cellulose and its derivatives, emphasizing its effects on enzymatic activity and performance.