Immobilization of Cells and Enzymes

Methods for immobilization by adsorption

Static pores Dynamic Pores Reactor loading Electro deposition

Complexation and chelation

Metal link chelation: This process offers an instantaneous coupling without chemical derivation or activation of support or matrix. Method is essentially based on chelation properties of transition metals namely titanium and zirconium which appear particularly attractive for their nontoxic nature. Chloroaquo complexes of titanium in HCl solution Hydrous transition metal oxides

Immobilization of Cells

Entrapment
Entrapment in porous polymeric carrier Entrapment of biocatalyst in chitosan deacylated chitin Entrapment of cells in beaded polymers Entrapment of biocatalyst in agarose Entrapment of biocatalyst in carrageenans Entrapment of biocatalyst in polyacrylamide

Entrapment of microbial cells can be done by using the matrices like agar, alginate, carageenan, cellulose and its derivatives, collagen, gelatin, epoxy resin, photo cross-linkable resins, polyacrylamide, polyester, polystyrenes and polyurethane.

Immobilization of Cells
Covalent Binding using inorganic support. Needs a cross linking agent. S.cerevisiae immobilized on silinised silica beeds. Treatment with Glutaraldehyde, chlorides of Ti4+ and Zr4+ helps in covalent bonding. Adsorption on glass, wood,, plastic etc.. based on electrostatic interactions. Cross linking of microorganisms with bi or multifunctional reagents like glutaraldehyde and toluenediisocyanate. But such chemicals are toxic.

Immobilized enzymes in bioprocess

Advantages of biocatalyst over chemical catalysts Work under mild environmental conditions Superb catalytic behavior with specificity, stability, and reproducibility. Help in ingredient substitution Help in processing aid substitution More efficient processing Less undesirable products Increased plant capacity Increased product yield Improved or unique products

Disadvantages of biocatalyst over chemical catalysts High cost of enzymes Instability, quick inactivity, fast clearance under physiologic conditions Availability in small amounts Recovery difficult in case of enzymes soluble in aqueous media. In biological systems its having antigenicity and inactivation by inhibitors in therapeutic use. Stability faces constant challenges from environmental factors like pH, temperature etc.

Advantages of immobilization of the biocatalyst Development of continuous process Economic organization of operations Automation, decrease in labour and investment/capacity ratio Availability of the product in greater purity. Greater control over enzymatic reaction. High volumetric productivity compared to lower residence time.