A Review Study of Immobilized Microbial-Nanoparticles: Techniques and Biotechnology Applications

Immobilization of microbial cells on nanomaterials opens up broad prospects in biotechnology applications including environmental pollution control and enhancement of biofuel production. Cell-immobilization contributes to improved microbial performance, protection of microbes, and further biomass degradation. Moreover, nanoparticles as biomass support is an advanced strategy in bioremediation. Nanoparticles are interesting for immobilizing microbes due to their unique physicochemical properties. This review throws some light on the recent advances in immobilization of microbial cells techniques onto nanoparticles as a carrier where they are subsequently used as an nano-bio-stimulator in bioprocessing. The benefits and drawbacks of immobilization techniques are included. The biotechnology applications of nano-biocatalyst in bioprocessing are covered including biosorption of pollutants from wastewater and stimulants in biofuel production processes for a green energy generation. The use of nano-bio-catalysts in bioprocesses is an effective strategy for achieving economic feasibility in many processes. Furthermore, future prospects for microbial cell immobilization techniques are discussed.