Silica-Immobilized Enzyme Reactors

Recent studies have demonstrated the applicability and versatility of immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) for chemical and biochemical synthesis and analysis. The majority of IMER systems rely on enzymes immobilized to packed matrices within flow-through devices. This review focuses primarily on the use of silica as a support for enzyme immobilization and specific applications of the resulting silica-based IMERs. A number of recently published examples (2000 onwards) are discussed as model systems. The effect of various silica matrices and immobilization techniques upon the enzymatic properties and stability of the biocatalysts is considered. In addition, reports in which the carrier matrix is biologically-derived silica are highlighted as an alternative and versatile technique that provides advantageous recovery, reuse and reproducibility.