Immobilisation and flow chemistry: tools for implementing biocatalysis

The merger of enzyme immobilisation and flow chemistry has attracted the attention of the scientific community during recent years. Immobilisation enhances enzyme stability and enables recycling, flow chemistry allows process intensification. Their combination is desirable for the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly biocatalytic processes. In this feature article, we aim to point out important metrics for successful enzyme immobilisation and for reporting flow biocatalytic processes. Relevant examples of immobilised enzymes used in flow systems in organic, biphasic and aqueous systems are discussed. Finally, we describe recent developments to address the cofactor recycling hurdle.

Automated summary

The merger of enzyme immobilisation and flow chemistry has attracted attention for its potential in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Important metrics for successful enzyme immobilisation and reporting flow biocatalytic processes include recycling and relevant examples in different systems. Recent developments have also focused on addressing the hurdle of cofactor recycling.