Nanomaterials Immobilized Cellulolytic Enzymes and their Industrial Applications: A Literature Review

The immobilization of cellulolytic enzymes via nanosupport minimizes the problem of steric hindrances between enzyme and carrier, as it has been frequently observed in case of enzymes immobilized on the surface of bulk supports. Cellulolytic enzymes immobilized on the surface of nanomaterials or entrapped inside polymeric nanospheres showed high catalytic efficiency and yield of immobilization. Nanomaterials bound cellulolytic enzymes were found significantly more stable against heat, pH, storage, operational and several other kinds of denaturants. These immobilized enzyme preparations were found less inhibitory to their inhibitors and products. Immobilized enzymes retained remarkably high activity on repeated uses and the nanocarriers bound cellulolytic enzymes have demonstrated their potential in various fields such as in clarification of juices and wines, extraction of plant oils and coffee, bioconversion of agricultural waste, improving the digestibility of animal feed ingredients. A major application at present is the biodegradation or bioconversion of cellulose to monomeric sugars. Agricultural waste rich in lignocellulosic material has been utilized in the production of large number of industrial products like ethanol, organic acids and other industrially important chemical compounds. Cellobiases immobilized on nanocarriers have also proved their potential as therapeutic agents.