Received: 2 February 2012 / Accepted: 20 May 2012 / Published online: 6 June 2012 | Sumitra Datta · L. Rene Christena · Yamuna Rani Sriramulu Rajaram
The article provides an overview of enzyme immobilization techniques and support materials. Enzyme immobilization is crucial for enhancing enzyme productivity and shelf life, which are essential for large-scale and economic biotechnological applications. Various methods, including adsorption, covalent binding, affinity immobilization, and entrapment, are discussed, each with its advantages and specific applications. Natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, collagen, carrageenan, gelatin, cellulose, starch, and pectin, as well as synthetic polymers like ion exchange resins and inorganic materials such as zeolites, ceramics, silica, glass, and activated carbon, are explored as effective support materials. The article highlights the importance of these materials in maintaining enzyme activity, stability, and reusability, and their potential in various industrial processes, including biocatalysis, biosensors, and environmental monitoring. The conclusion emphasizes the promising role of enzyme immobilization in biotechnological processes, despite challenges related to cost and storage.The article provides an overview of enzyme immobilization techniques and support materials. Enzyme immobilization is crucial for enhancing enzyme productivity and shelf life, which are essential for large-scale and economic biotechnological applications. Various methods, including adsorption, covalent binding, affinity immobilization, and entrapment, are discussed, each with its advantages and specific applications. Natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, collagen, carrageenan, gelatin, cellulose, starch, and pectin, as well as synthetic polymers like ion exchange resins and inorganic materials such as zeolites, ceramics, silica, glass, and activated carbon, are explored as effective support materials. The article highlights the importance of these materials in maintaining enzyme activity, stability, and reusability, and their potential in various industrial processes, including biocatalysis, biosensors, and environmental monitoring. The conclusion emphasizes the promising role of enzyme immobilization in biotechnological processes, despite challenges related to cost and storage.