Smectite Clays as Solid Supports for Immobilization of β-Glucosidase: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biochemical Properties

Nanomaterials as solid supports can improve the efficiency of immobilized enzymes by reducing diffusional limitation as well as by increasing the surface area per mass unit and therefore improving enzyme loading. In this work, β-glucosidase from almonds was immobilized on two smectite nanoclays. The resulting hybrid biocatalysts were characterized by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Biochemical studies showed an improved thermostability of the immobilized enzyme as well as enhanced performance at higher temperatures and in a wider pH range.