Immobilization and applications of esterases

Esterase belongs to hydrolase class of enzyme which catalyses the breakdown and creation of the ester bond. Due to its properties like regio-selectivity, stereo-specificity and stability in organic solvents, esterase is widely used in industrial processes. Esterases have applications in food industry, paper industry, notably in degradation of plastics and pesticides and for the synthesis of optically pure compounds. One of the toughest tasks is upholding the structural stability of enzyme for the duration of any biochemical reaction. Immobilization provides solution for this problem. Immobilization is the restraining of enzyme to a support. With the recent advances in technology, the use of new approach like nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) is preferred by researchers. Nanoparticles provide better stability, multi-functionality and higher surface area for immobilization. Current review comprises of various methods used in immobilization of esterase and applications of esterase.