Question

Which of the following is a disadvantage of immobilized enzymes over free enzymes?

(a) Repeated use of enzymes

(b) Minimal downstream processing

(c) Enzyme may become inactive

(d) Thermal stability of the enzyme increases

The question was posed to me in an interview.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Methods of Immobilization in section Immobilized Enzymes Preparation and Kinetics of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Enzyme may become inactive

For explanation I would say: The disadvantage of immobilized enzymes over free enzymes is that they may become inactive. The following are the advantages:

• Repeated use of enzymes as it can be easily separated from the mixture.

• Enzyme immobilization prevents the enzyme from contaminating the product and in turn minimizing downstream processing cost.

• Thermal stability of the enzyme increases.