Immobilised enzymes

An immobilised enzyme is one that is bound immovably to a surface rather than being dissolved in solution. They offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Reactions can be run continually
• They can be recovered and used over and over again which is particularly useful when an enzyme is difficult or expensive to produce
• Products won't be contaminated by the enzymes
• The matrix makes the enzymes more stable so that they can be used over a wider range of temperatures and pH's

Disadvantages

• Immobilisation can affect the shape and properties of the enzymes so the substrate may not bind as effectively. This causes a reduced rate of reaction.
• This disadvantge may be offset however by the increase in temperature, or the ability to run the reaction continuously.