Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs): A novel and versatile method for enzyme immobilization (a review)

Recent advances have been made in the development of carrier-free immobilised enzymes and several criteria established for the selection of immobilised enzymes for biotransformations. The pros and cons of carrier-free versus carrier-bound immobilised enzymes and of each type of carrier-free enzyme are discussed.

Today, biocatalysis is a standard technology for the production of chemicals. An analysis of 134 industrial biotransformations reveals that hydrolases (44%) and redox biocatalysts (30%) are the most prominent categories. Most products are chiral (89%) and are used as fine chemicals. In the chemical industry, successful product developments involve on average a yield of 78%, a volumetric productivity of 15.5 g/(L.h) and a final product concentration of 108 g/L. By contrast, the pharmaceutical industry focuses on time-to-market. The implications of this for future research and development on biocatalysis are discussed.