Immobilized enzyme technology

Weetall H, Suzuki S (eds) (1975) Immobilized enzyme technology. Plenum, New York... 

Affinity chromatography combines the analytical and chemical capacities of chemically bonded stationary phases and immobilized enzymes. Technology and methodology of both techniques are joined in the development of affinity stationary phases. Since steric requirements are even more determining than in simple immobilized enzyme systems, spacer molecules have great importance in these modifications. Commonly used spacer arms are summarized in figure 8.3. 

Using immobilized enzyme technology, it is possible to produce high-fructose syrups containing 42%, 55% or 90% fructose. In 1999, US shipments of high-fructose syrups exceeded 24 billion pounds (11 X 109kg) (dry basis).5... 

Descriptions of the current commercial use of immobilized enzyme technology have appeared over the past several years (3,4,29,30) consequently, this area will be summarized briefly to allow more time for discussion of developing technology. 

Amino acid production too may benefit from this immobilized enzyme technology. Optically active D(-)-a-phenylglycine is one example, which has been confirmed, but more are likely to follow. 

Large scale resolution of amino acids is an area where immobilized enzyme technology has triumphed. L-Phe and L-Met are now continuously produced on a 20 ton/month scale via immobilized aminocyclase hydrolysis of their racemic N-acetyl precursors.43 Similarly L-Ly has been obtained by yeast hydrolysis of (+)-a-amino-e-caprolactam.44 The value of mild and specific enzyme procedures when dealing with sensitive molecules is demonstrated by the conversion of 23 to 24.45... 

In spite of the high expectations generated by immobilized enzyme technology in the last third of the 20th century, only a limited number of reductions to industrial practice have been accomplished. Very few large-scale immobilized enzyme processes can successfully compete with processes based on either free enzymes or more conventional catalysts. Some of these are indicated below. 

Commercial uses of immobilized enzyme technology are limited in scope, but encompass industrial production of HFCS, biosensors, clinical diagnostic procedures, chemical analyses, chiral syntheses, and therapeutic applications. 

Advances in the understanding of structure-activity/selectivity relations for enzymes evolving from the use of x-ray, NMR, and other instrumental methods for characterization of enzyme structures should contribute to the development of improved immobilized enzyme systems for both analytical and industrial applications. Immobilized enzyme technology has enormous potential, but significant advances on several fronts are necessary prior to widespread industrial use of this technology. Katchalski-Katzir has discussed this problem in a review of past successes and failures in efforts to employ immobilized enzymes in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemicals industries. ... 

Weetall, H. H. Suzuki, S., Eds. Immobilized Enzyme Technology Plenum Press New York, 1975. 

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