Enzyme Nanocarriers

Bio-nanocomposites have motivated considerable interest in the field of catalysis, because nanocarriers often combine advantages such as immensely high surface area with chemical and structural stability. Recent advances in nanocomposite material have presented more opportunities for enzyme immobilization. Enzymes immobilized on nanomaterials mainly feature improved biocatalytic efficiencies, enhanced stabilities, increased enzyme-substrate affinities, and promising recyclability. Three types of novel nanomaterials, including metal-organic frameworks, organic-inorganic nanoflowers, and magnetic nanoparticles, have been gaining acclaim for enzyme immobilization platforms. Nano-biocatalysts consisting of enzyme and nanomaterials have achieved unprecedented harvests, far exceeding free enzymes in many characteristics. In this chapter, we aim to cover recent progress in the application of nano-biocatalysts. We discuss different synthetic routes of nanocarriers with special emphasis on design, prepared approaches, properties, and potential applications of nano-biocatalysts. Potential trends in the current evolution of nano-biocatalysts are also discussed in this review.