Enzyme immobilization approaches

Enzyme immobilization is the process of attaching enzyme molecules to a solid substrate. The immobilized enzyme has its movement restricted to a narrowly defined region. The immobilization of enzymes protects them against degradation and deactivation, decreases the overall cost of enzyme-mediated activities, enhances enzyme stability, and increases their surface area and activity. This technique is also used in biotransformations, bioanalytical applications, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and textile industries, etc. The immobilization of enzymes such as penicillin-G-acylase, lipases, proteases, and invertases is common. Carrier matrices are used to immobilize enzymes. Carriers should be chemically inert, physically durable, economically viable, and regenerable. Chemically, immobilized enzymes may be achieved through covalent binding to a support system and/or cross-linking procedures. This chapter focuses on enzyme immobilization methods, applications, advantages, and downsides.