IMMOBILIZED ENZYMES Meaning and
Definition
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Immobilized enzymes refer to a group of enzymatic molecules that have been physically trapped or confined in a supporting matrix or carrier, rendering them stationary and allowing them to perform their catalytic functions within the immobilized state. Immobilization is achieved by binding or entrapping the enzyme molecules onto or within a solid material, such as a gel, membrane, or bead, which serves as the support and retains the enzyme in a fixed spatial location.
This immobilization process offers several advantages compared to free enzymes. Firstly, it provides stability and protection to the enzyme molecules, shielding them from harsh environmental conditions, including changes in temperature, pH, and the presence of proteolytic enzymes. This enhanced stability often leads to increased enzyme longevity, allowing for repeated use without significant loss of activity.
Another significant advantage is the ease of separation and recovery of the enzyme from the reaction mixture, as the immobilized enzyme can be conveniently separated from the reaction medium by simple physical methods, such as filtration or centrifugation. This helps simplify the purification process and promotes enzyme reuse, resulting in potential cost savings.
Immobilized enzymes also exhibit increased resistance to denaturation, which allows them to sustain their catalytic activity in a wider range of conditions. Moreover, the immobilization process can often influence the conformation and function of the enzyme, leading to altered kinetic properties or improved performance in specific applications.
Overall, immobilized enzymes have diverse industrial applications, including the production of pharmaceuticals, food processing, wastewater treatment, biosensors, and environmental remediation, owing to their enhanced stability, reusability, and improved efficiency compared to their free counterparts.
Common Misspellings for IMMOBILIZED ENZYMES
- ummobilized enzymes
- jmmobilized enzymes
- kmmobilized enzymes
- ommobilized enzymes
- 9mmobilized enzymes
- 8mmobilized enzymes
- inmobilized enzymes
- ikmobilized enzymes
- ijmobilized enzymes
- imnobilized enzymes
- imkobilized enzymes
- imjobilized enzymes
- immibilized enzymes
- immkbilized enzymes
- immlbilized enzymes
- immpbilized enzymes
- imm0bilized enzymes
- imm9bilized enzymes
- immovilized enzymes
- immonilized enzymes
Etymology of IMMOBILIZED ENZYMES
The term "immobilized enzymes" is derived from two separate words.
1. Immobilized: The word "immobilized" comes from the Latin word "immobilis", which means "unable to move". In the context of enzymes, it refers to the process of fixing or attaching enzymes to a support or matrix, which restricts their movement while they catalyze chemical reactions.
2. Enzymes: The word "enzymes" originates from the Greek word "enzymos", which means "in yeast". It was coined by the German scientist Wilhelm Kühne in 1878 to refer to substances that facilitate biological reactions without being consumed themselves. Enzymes are protein molecules that act as catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in living organisms.
