Process intensification using immobilized enzymes for the development of white biotechnology

Abstract

The current demand for sustainable processes is increasing day by day. The considerable growth in biotechnological industries is attributed to enhanced enzyme production and their stability, and development in technologies for process intensification, which can pave the way towards large scale production and economical formulation. White biotechnology deals with the implementation of biotechnology at the industrial level. It is considered as one of the key tools, which can be utilized to boost the bio-economy. With the increasing research in the field of biocatalysis, it is proved to be a green tool in the synthesis of fine chemicals. It is quite evident that biocatalysis has numerous advantages over chemical catalysis. Immobilization of enzymes is the key towards practical and commercial viability of the processes, which improves the activity, stability, and reusability of enzymes, thereby making the biocatalytic reactions more sustainable and economical. The amalgamation of biocatalysis with process intensification techniques such as microwaves, ultrasound, hydrodynamic cavitation, and the combination of chemical and biological catalysis can be an effective way to enhance the yield and productivity of these processes. The use of microreactor technologies and continuous modes of operation, the co-called flow chemistry, has been exploited for different biocatalytic reactions. The current review summarizes and discusses the applications of immobilized enzymes used in different process intensification techniques. The techniques utilized can help in achieving better productivity and enhanced yields as compared to those with conventional techniques. These advances in bioprocesses will lead to rapid application at the industrial level for strengthening the bio-based economy.