Nanomaterials: An Efficient Support to Immobilize Microbial α-Amylases for Improved Starch Hydrolysis

Microbial enzymes have contributed significantly to the development of biotech based industries over the recent past. Importantly, the microbial alpha-amylases share a major market along with proteases. Starch gets hydrolyzed to dextrin, maltotetroses, maltotrioses, maltose, and glucose in trace amount using amylases. To be suitable commercially, the amylase should be stable at higher temperatures and a wide range of pH values. Moreover, it should also exhibit resistance against a range of chelators, surfactants, and denaturants. It is quite strenuous to isolate an amylase harboring all the required qualities. Therefore, various strategies have been employed to achieve the required attributes. In the present mini-review, amylase immobilization on conventional matrices as well as on different types of nanomaterials has been discussed with a special emphasis on improvement in the stability and reusability. The stability of the nanomaterials against various physical, chemical, and biological stress is a key factor to be explored commercially. The mini-review includes mainly magnetite, non-magnetite, and hybrid (organic-inorganic) nanomaterials. Conclusively, it is anticipated that the advanced strategies would help to overcome the technical barriers in the industrial sectors for better continuous applications of microbial amylases.

Automated summary

Microbial enzymes, including amylases, have played a significant role in the development of biotech industries. Commercially viable amylases need to be stable at high temperatures and a wide range of pH values, and exhibit resistance to various substances. Immobilization of amylases on conventional and nanomaterial matrices can improve stability and reusability. The stability of nanomaterials against physical, chemical, and biological stress is an important factor for commercial application. The mini-review mainly focuses on magnetite, non-magnetite, and hybrid nanomaterials.