Nano-biocatalysts for food applications; immobilized enzymes within different nanostructures

Abstract

The rapid progress in modern technologies and paying more attention to food safety has prompted new green technologies superior than chemical methods in the food industry. In this regard, enzymes can decrease the usage of chemical reactions but they are sensitive to environmental effects (pH and temperature). In addition, enzymes are scarcely possible to be reused. Consequently, their application as natural catalysts is restricted. Using nanotechnology and the possibility of enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials has led to nanobiocatalysts, resulting from the integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology. Nanocarriers have individual features like nanoscale size, excellent surface/volume ratio, and diversity in construction to improve the activity, efficiency, stability, and storage stability of enzymes. Nanobiocatolysts have a wide range of applications in purification, extraction, clarification, production, and packaging of various products in the food industry. Furthermore, the application of nanobiocatalysts to identify specific components of food contaminants such as microorganisms or their metabolites, heavy metals, antibiotics, and residual pesticides has been successful due to the high accuracy of detection. This review investigates the integration of nanotechnology and food enzymes, the nanomaterials used to create nanobiocatalysts and their application, along with the possible risks and legal aspects of nanomaterials in food bioprocesses.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Enzymes
• immobilization
• nanocarriers
• nanobiocatalysis

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.