Enzyme immobilization on amidoximated acrylic microfibers

Enzymes can be immobilized by entrapment in a porous matrix, by encapsulation in a semipermeable membrane capsule or between membranes, such as in a hollow-fibre unit, or by adsorption onto a solid support surface. Enzyme immobilization provides enzyme utilization, eliminates costly enzyme recovery and purification processes, and may result in increased activity by providing a more suitable microenvironment for the enzyme. Enzyme immobilization may result in diffusion limitations within the matrix. Immobilization may also cause enzyme instability, loss of activity, and a shift in optimal conditions (pH, ionic strength). To obtain maximum reaction rates, the particle size of the support material and enzyme loading need to be optimized, and a support material with the correct surface characteristics must be selected.