Robust nanocarriers to engineer nanobiocatalysts for bioprocessing applications

The synergistic integration of bio-catalysis engineering with nanostructured materials, as unique multifunctional carrier matrices, has emerged as a new interface of nanobiocatalysis (NBC). NBC is an emerging innovation that offers significant considerations to expand the designing and fabrication of robust catalysts at the nanoscale with improved catalytic characteristics for multipurpose bioprocessing applications. In addition, nanostructured materials with unique structural, physical, chemical, and functional entities have manifested significant contributions in mimicking the enzyme microenvironment. A fine-tuned enzyme microenvironment with an added-value of NBC offers chemo- regio- and stereo- selectivities and specificities. Furthermore, NBC is growing rapidly and will become a powerful norm in bio-catalysis with much controlled features, such as selectivity, specificity, stability, resistivity, induce activity, reaction efficacy, multi-usability, improved mass transfer efficiency, high catalytic turnover, optimal yield, ease in recovery, and cost-effectiveness. Considering the above critics and unique structural, physicochemical, and functional attributes, herein, we present and discuss advances in NBC and its bioprocessing applications in different fields. Briefly, this review is focused on four parts, i.e., (1) NBC as a drive towards applied nanobiocatalysts (as an introduction with opportunities), (2) promising nanocarriers to develop nanobiocatalysts, (3) applications in the fields of biotransformation, biofuel production, carbohydrate hydrolysis, bio−/nanosensing, detergent formulations, and extraction and purification of value-added compounds, and (4) current challenges, concluding remarks, and future trends. [Display omitted] •Nanotechnology is a roadmap towards future catalytic systems.•Current advancements in nanobiocatalysis are spotlighted.•Prospective nano-carriers as host for immobilized nano-enzymatic systems are reviewed.•Potential biotechnological applications of immobilized nanobiocatalytic systems are outlined.