Biopolymers for enzyme immobilization

Abstract

Enzyme immobilization has shown promising applications in different fields, including pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and medicine. Immobilized enzymes are more stable, recoverable, and robust than their free forms. Enzymes act as biocatalysts for several reactions, however, there is an important role of biopolymers, which act as supporting materials. Synthesis of new functionalized supporting materials from conventional polymers or using the novel technique for immobilization can serve the multiple demands of industries to ease the multi-step process of biocatalysis. In enzyme immobilization, numerous factors play a crucial role, such as the selection of support materials, optimization of pH, temperature, reaction time, and concentration of enzyme. Moreover, the present chapter provides a compiled summary of enzyme immobilization methods or techniques, biopolymers, and their features along with newer development as well as application in the same field.