Enzyme immobilization biology

RME shows particular promise in the recovery of proteins/enzymes [12-14]. In the past two decades, the potential of RME in the separation of biological macromolecules has been demonstrated [15-20]. RMs have also been used as media for hosting enzymatic reactions [21-23]. Martinek et al. [24] were the first to demonstrate the catalytic activity of a-chymotrypsin in RMs of bis (2-ethyl-hexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (Aerosol-OT or AOT) in octane. Since then, many enzymes have been solubilized and studied for their activity in RMs. Other important applications of RME include tertiary oil recovery [25], extraction of metals from raw ores [26], and in drug delivery [27]. Application of RMs/mi-croemulsions/surfactant emulsions were recognized as a simple and highly effective method for enzyme immobilization for carrying out several enzymatic transformations [28-31]. Recently, Scheper and coworkers have provided a detailed account on the emulsion immobiUzed enzymes in an exhaustive review [32]. 

W. II. Pitcher Design and Operation of Immobilized Enzyme Reactors. - S. A Barker Biotechnology of Immobilized Multienzyme Systems. - R. A Messing Carriers for Immobilized Biologically Active Systems. -P. Brodelius Industrial Applications of Immobilized Biocatalysts. - B. Solomon Starch Hydrolysis by Immobilized Enzymers. 

A biosensor utilizes a biological component to translate the concentration of a specific analyte of interest into a signal detectable by some chemical or physical means (7). Successful operation of a biosensor requires that the biological component and the signal it transduces be localized to and concentrated within a region in close proximity to the detection system. Immobilization of enzymes within a polymeric matrix ensures concentration and localization of the enzymic reaction, and creates a convective barrier, thus preventing dilution and convective removal of the product species before it is detected. Enzymes immobilized on or near the detection system are frequently used as the... 

In this chapter we describe the applications of biological macromolecules in analytical chemistry and present an update on enzyme immobilization procedures (see Everse et td. (9)). 

Cells, bacteria, and immobilized enzymes in biological processes ... 

Resins with cellulosic matrices are much more hydrophilic and these do not tend to denature proteins. Cellulosic resins have been used extensively in the laboratory analyses of biological materials, enzyme immobilizations and small scale preparations. The low capacity and poor flow characteristics have limited the usefulness of these matrices for larger applications. 

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