New enzymatic reactor designs: From enzymatic batch to 3D microreactors and monoliths

The use of enzymes in biocatalysis is often hampered by their instability and difficult recovery and reuse. Immobilization of enzymes on solid supports for use in enzymatic reactors can overcome these drawbacks, leading to increased activity and stability as well as ease of recovery from reaction media and potential reuse. A variety of supports have been extensively explored for use as supports for immobilized enzymes in biocatalytic reactors. The characteristics of the support used can dictate the reactor mode that can be utilized, be it batch or continuous flow. We discuss the use of a selection of porous supports for the immobilization of enzymes for use in biocatalytic reactors, focusing on mesoporous silicates and metal organic frameworks for batch synthesis and silica monoliths and nanoporous gold in continuous processing.