Question

In which of the following method, the enzyme is bound to a suitable adsorbent material rendering it immobile?

(a) Adsorption

(b) Covalent binding

(c) Entrapment

(d) Membrane confinement

I had been asked this question during an interview.

The above asked question is from Methods of Immobilization topic in section Immobilized Enzymes Preparation and Kinetics of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Adsorption

The explanation is: Adsorption is a method in which the enzyme is bound to a suitable adsorbent material rendering it immobile. The interaction majorly involves weak vanderwaals interactions, H-bond or ionic interactions and the binding is not very strong and can be easily weakened by change in pH or temperature. In covalent binding method, the enzyme is immobilized to matrix by covalent interactions between them. In entrapment method, the enzyme is entrapped with suitable gel or fibers.  The method in which the enzyme in aqueous solution is confined with a semipermeable membrane is referred to as membrane confinement.