What is enzyme immobilisation? This is a field of biotechnology that sticks enzymes onto carriers (also called supports) to generate biocatalysts that can be reused multiple, to hundreds or even thousands of times. This can drastically reduce your enzymes costs, whilst also helping to save energy and water, plus stops the hassle of buying enzymes frequently. In addition, immobilised enzymes do not contaminate your final product which can help reduce all-important workup costs.
Which carriers? Traditionally plastic-based carriers (such as methacrylate or polystyrene) have played a big role in the field, however scientists are now looking to develop non-plastic alternatives, including cellulose and silica functional materials. The carriers can be functionalised with chemical groups to bind and adhere enzymes, but importantly must not deactivate them.
Which reactors? Immobilised enzymes can be used in conventional batch reactors, however they require stirring to ensure good mixing. They are extremely well-suited to flow reactors, which houses a cartridge containing the immobilised enzymes. The starting material is simply pumped through the cartridge and the product collected the other side. The cartridge and flow rate is optimised to the required specification.
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