Microfluidic based continuous enzyme immobilization: A comprehensive review

Conventional techniques for enzyme immobilization suffer from suboptimal activity recovery due to insufficient enzyme loading and inadequate stability. Furthermore, these techniques are time-consuming and involve mul-tiple steps which limit the applicability of immobilized enzymes. In contrast, the use of microfluidic devices for enzyme immobilization has garnered significant attention due to its ability to precisely control immobilization parameters, resulting in highly active immobilized enzymes. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced time and energy consumption, enhanced mass-heat transfer, and improved control over the mixing process. It maintains the superior structural configuration in immobilized form which ultimately affects the overall efficiency. The present review article comprehensively explains the design, construction, and various methods employed for enzyme immobilization using microfluidic devices. The immobilized enzymes prepared using these techniques demonstrated excellent catalytic activity, remarkable stability, and outstanding recy-clability. Moreover, they have found applications in diverse areas such as biosensors, biotransformation, and bioremediation. The review article also discusses potential future developments and foresees significant chal-lenges associated with enzyme immobilization using microfluidics, along with potential remedies. The devel-opment of this advanced technology not only paves the way for novel and innovative approaches to enzyme immobilization but also allows for the straightforward scalability of microfluidic-based techniques from an in-dustrial standpoint.

Automated summary

Conventional techniques for enzyme immobilization have limitations in terms of activity recovery, stability, and applicability, while microfluidic devices offer precise control over immobilization parameters and result in highly active immobilized enzymes. This review comprehensively explains the design, construction, and methods of enzyme immobilization using microfluidic devices, highlighting the advantages and applications. It also discusses future developments and challenges in this field.