Designing robust nano-biocatalysts using nanomaterials as multifunctional carriers - expanding the application scope of bio-enzymes

Nanobiocatalysis is a new technique that blends biotechnology with nanotechnology to deliver exciting benefits in bioprocessing applications, such as increased enzyme activity, capacity, stability, and engineering performance. Immobilized enzymes are spatially confined in a particular location where they can keep their catalytic activity and be employed repeatedly. Recent breakthroughs in nano-biotechnology have opened several opportunities for embedding natural biocatalysts into a variety of nanostructures with different features. These nanoparticles (NPs) have additional properties that enzymes do not have in their native condition. Nanomaterials for enzyme delivery and novel catalytic structures with interplaying characteristics and functionality have propelled this field to new heights, with important biotechnological consequences in the coming years. The current review discusses advances in nanostructured materials, such as nanofibers, nanoporous carriers, hybrid nanoflowers, and nanocomposites, as carriers for the immobilization of various enzymes to build nanobiocatalysts with promising stability and activity, as well as current challenges and future trends.