In recent years, enzyme immobilization has been presented as a powerful tool for the improvement of enzyme properties such as stability and reusability. However, the type of support material used plays a crucial role in the immobilization process due to the strong effect of these materials on the properties of the produced catalytic system. A large variety of inorganic and organic as well as hybrid and composite materials may be used as stable and efficient supports for biocatalysts. This review provides a general overview of the characteristics and properties of the materials applied for enzyme immobilization. For the purposes of this literature study, support materials are divided into two main groups, called Classic and New materials. The review will be useful in selection of appropriate support materials with tailored properties for the production of highly effective biocatalytic systems for use in various processes.

A general overview of support materials for enzyme immobilization: Characteristics, properties, practical utility

The well-known interconversion of aldoses to their corresponding ketoses was discovered more than a century ago, but has recently attracted renewed attention due to alternative application areas. Since the pioneering discovery, much work has been directed toward improving the process of isomerization of aldoses in terms of yields, catalysts, solvents, catalytic systems, etc., by both enzymatic and chemo-catalytic approaches. Among aldose–ketose interconversion reactions, fructose production by glucose isomerization to make high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an industrially important and large biocatalytic process today, and a large number of studies have been reported on the process development. In parallel, also alternative chemo-catalytic systems have emerged, as enzymatic conversion has drawbacks, though they are typically more selective and produce fructose under mild reaction conditions. Isomerization of glucose is also a central reaction for making renewable platform chemicals, such as lactic acid, ...

Glucose Isomerization by Enzymes and Chemo-catalysts: Status and Current Advances

Nano-organic supports for enzyme immobilization: Scopes and perspectives.

The use of chitosan-based metal catalysts in organic transformations

Enzymes are macromolecular biocatalysts, widely used in food industry. In applications, enzymes are often immobilized on inert and insoluble carriers, which increase their efficiency due to multiple reusability. The properties of immobilized enzymes depend on the immobilization method and the carrier type. The choice of the carrier usually concerns the biocompatibility, chemical and thermal stability, insolubility under reaction conditions, capability of easy regeneration and reusability, as well as cost efficiency. In this review, we provide an overview of various carriers for enzyme immobilization, with the primary focus on food industry.

Application of Immobilized Enzymes in Food Industry

Enhancement of glucose isomerase activity by immobilizing on silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres B Enzymatic

Glucose isomerase (GI) plays a crucial role in the food industry as it serves as a catalyst for the conversion of glucose to fructose. Immobilized GI is often used due to increased stability as well as the expensive costs associated with free GI. In this study, GI was immobilized on silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres via simple process through in situ encapsulation. Enhanced rate of reaction was observed when the conversion of glucose to fructose was completed in 10 min catalyzed by immobilized GI because most GI was located on the shell of the support. Moreover, it was found that immobilized GI exhibited better pH, temperature, ions, storage and operation stability when compared to free GI. The relative enzyme activity was found to be above 90% with a wide pH range of 5.8–8.0, temperature range of 40–80 °C, storage range of 3 months and an increase in operation range of >15 times. Therefore, immobilized GI supported by silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres is an ideal candidate for biocatalysis.

Enhancement of glucose isomerase activity by immobilizing on silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres

Monodispersed chitosan/silica core–shell microspheres-supported Pd catalysts were prepared by a simple and affordable microfluidic device. Merely 5 mg of supported Pd catalyst (1 wt %) showed superior capability in Sonogashira coupling reactions between various aryl iodides and terminal alkynes in a mild environment (ligand-free, copper-free, amine-free, water–ethanol as solvent at 65 °C) even after eight cycles of use. These novel porous composite microspheres provide a new carrier to reduce the loading, enhance the activity, and increase the stability of noble metal catalyst.

Qing Cui

Papers

Enhancement of glucose isomerase activity by immobilizing on silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres B Enzymatic

Enhancement of glucose isomerase activity by immobilizing on silica/chitosan hybrid microspheres

An Efficient Chitosan/Silica Composite Core-Shell Microspheres-Supported Pd Catalyst for Aryl Iodides Sonogashira Coupling Reactions