Immobilised enzymes

Overview

Adsorption, covalent bonding, entrapment and encapsulation, and the reusability, stability and continuous flow they allow, set against reduced activity, diffusion limits and cost.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What are immobilised enzymes?

   Model answer

   Enzymes that are attached to or enclosed within an insoluble material, restricting their movement while allowing them to catalyse reactions.

2. 2

   Name four methods of enzyme immobilisation.

   Model answer

   Adsorption onto a surface, covalent bonding to a support, entrapment within a gel or matrix, and encapsulation within a membrane.

3. 3

   How does adsorption immobilise enzymes?

   Model answer

   Enzymes bind to the surface of an insoluble support material through weak interactions such as ionic bonds and hydrophobic interactions.

4. 4

   Why might some immobilisation methods cause enzyme leakage?

   Model answer

   Weak binding methods like adsorption may allow enzymes to detach from the support over time.

5. 5

   How does covalent bonding immobilise enzymes?

   Model answer

   Covalent bonds form between enzyme molecules and an insoluble support, creating a strong, permanent attachment.

6. 6

   How does entrapment immobilise enzymes?

   Model answer

   Enzymes are trapped within a gel matrix (such as alginate beads) or fibres; substrates and products can pass through but the enzyme is retained.

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