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Home >> Industrial and Microbial Biotechnology >> Biocatalysis and Enzyme Biotechnology >>Entrapping by Microencapsulation

Entrapping by Microencapsulation
The microencapsulation is another approach in enzyme immobilization by entrapping method. In this approach enzyme can be immobilized within microcapsules prepared from organic polymers, so that the enzyme can not escape, although low molecular weight substrates and products can enter and leave the capsule by diffusion through the membrane.

There are two general methods for preparing the membranous capsules for enzyme entrapping: (i) The membranes are prepared by the process of phase separation, which is similar to homogenization of water in oil. One phase is not miscible with the other but forms a droplet or coacervate with the .other phase, when mixed. The enzyme is entrapped within this droplet or coacervate. (ii) A water insoluble membrane is prepared by chemical polymerization and the enzyme is entrapped during this polymerization.

Immobilization of Aminocyclase. (from 'Fermentation Technology Today', 1972)

Support

Method

Retention of enzyme
activity (%)

Polyacrylamide

Entrapment

53

Nylon

Encapsulation

36

DEAE cellulose

lonic binding

55

DEAE sephadex A-59

Ionic binding

56

CM sephadex C-50

Ionic binding

0

Iodoacetyl cellulose

Covalent binding

39

CHBr activated
sephadex

Covalent binding

1.0

AE-cellulose

Cross linked with glutaraldehyde

0.6


Spheres made up of semipermeable nylon or collodion membranes are often used for microencapsulation of an enzyme. Enzymes are also entrapped inside fibres of cellulose triacetate. These fibres may be packed in columns or woven into fabric.

The choice of the method to be employed for immobilization would certainly vary according to the enzyme involved and its application. Sufficient variation has been reported in the level of retention of enzyme activity on immobilization to different supports.

 

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