IMMOBILIZED ENZYME Meaning and
Definition
-
An immobilized enzyme refers to an enzyme that is covalently or non-covalently attached to a solid support or matrix, thereby being confined or trapped in a specific location, while still retaining its catalytic activity. This immobilization process is usually accomplished by either physical adsorption, covalent binding, or entrapment techniques.
The immobilization of enzymes offers several advantages compared to their free form. Firstly, the immobilization allows for their easy recovery and reuse, thereby increasing their economic viability. Secondly, it enhances enzyme stability against denaturation, changes in pH or temperature, and proteolytic degradation. Furthermore, it allows enzymes to be easily separated from reaction products, preventing contamination and simplifying downstream processing. Also, immobilized enzymes are less likely to migrate or diffuse into solution, thereby facilitating continuous flow systems and reducing mass transfer limitations.
Immobilized enzymes find extensive applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and biofuel production. They are used in bioremediation processes to break down organic pollutants, in biosensors for detecting specific analytes, and in drug delivery systems to provide controlled release of therapeutics. They are also used in diagnostic kits, such as those for blood glucose monitoring, as well as in food processing to enhance flavors, remove impurities, and improve shelf life.
In summary, an immobilized enzyme refers to an enzyme that is attached to a solid support, allowing for increased stability, reusability, and effectiveness in various biotechnological applications.
Common Misspellings for IMMOBILIZED ENZYME
- ummobilized enzyme
- jmmobilized enzyme
- kmmobilized enzyme
- ommobilized enzyme
- 9mmobilized enzyme
- 8mmobilized enzyme
- inmobilized enzyme
- ikmobilized enzyme
- ijmobilized enzyme
- imnobilized enzyme
- imkobilized enzyme
- imjobilized enzyme
- immibilized enzyme
- immkbilized enzyme
- immlbilized enzyme
- immpbilized enzyme
- imm0bilized enzyme
- imm9bilized enzyme
- immovilized enzyme
- immonilized enzyme
Etymology of IMMOBILIZED ENZYME
The word "immobilized enzyme" can be broken down into its two main components: "immobilized" and "enzyme".
The term "immobilized" comes from the Latin word "immo", meaning "not", and "mobilis", meaning "movable". In the context of enzymes, "immobilized" refers to the process of fixing or trapping the enzyme in a specific location, preventing its free movement within a solution.
The word "enzyme" originated from the Greek word "enzyme", which means "in yeast". The term was coined by the German physiologist Wilhelm Friedrich Kühne in the late 19th century. "Enzyme" is derived from the Greek words "en", meaning "in", and "zyme", meaning "leaven" or "yeast".
