Design and Application of Biocatalysts: Emerging Advances and Innovations in Enzyme Immobilization and Technologies
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 27
Special Issue Editor
Interests: enzyme immobilization; strategies to improve activity pre and post enzyme immobilization; experimental and theoretical simulation using molecular mechanics and semiempirical methods; (bio)mimetics of peroxidases and oxidases and nanozymes for applications in environmental remediation; enzymatic synthesis of derivatives of polyfunctional carboxylic acids; quimio-enzymatic polymerization of α-hydroxy acids (mainly glycolic and lactic acids); enzymatic esterification of α-hydroxy acids; enzymatic de-polymerization using lipases
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on the most recent and innovative methodologies to immobilize enzymes, with special interest in low-cost pre- and post-immobilization treatments, including bioimprinting and post-immobilization activation. Manuscripts focusing on multiple-enzyme immobilization to work in tandem, multilayer immobilization using co-feeder proteins, cross-linking strategies to prevent protein leaching into the reaction medium and subsequent activity loss, CLEAs encapsulation and immobilization, and methodologies to enhance enzyme activity and stability during use and storage are particularly welcome.
Beyond immobilization itself, we also encourage manuscripts that include enzyme characterization in reactions with potential applications in industrial synthesis or environmental remediation of emerging contaminants (via degradation). Given the high number of reviews in the field and information available, this Special Issue emphasizes original research articles presenting experimental and theoretical on enzyme immobilization and their characterization in reactions relevant to solvent-free processes, polymerization and depolymerization of biodegradable polymers, and the synthesis of polyfunctional carboxylic acid derivatives and related compounds. Comparisons between traditional approaches and innovative enzyme activation methodologies are also encouraged.
A major focus is the use of low-cost supports based on biomass, degradable biopolymers (such as polysaccharides and non-enzymatic proteins), and composites with stabilizing materials (excluding MOFs, zeolites, and high-cost polymers). The incorporation of magnetic inorganic nanomaterials is of particular interest, as are inexpensive inorganic–organic hybrids such as nanoflowers. Regarding cross-linkers, emphasis should be on novel, low-cost, cross-linking molecules (e.g., tripolyphosphate) rather than conventional ones like glutaraldehyde or carboiimides. The use of bi- or multiphasic non-toxic reaction media, if solvents are unavoidable, is also within scope.
While this Special Issue is primarily centered on experimental research (with the possibility of theoretical aspects), reviews on less explored areas are also encouraged—particularly those offering updated perspectives, critical discussion of challenges and opportunities, or mechanistic insights within the broader scope of enzyme immobilization.
Dr. María Luján Ferreira
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- low-cost immobilization of enzymes
- treatments post-immobilization
- enzymatic synthesis of derivatives
- polyesters depolymerization
- hydroxy-acids polymerization
- bioimprinting
- post-immobilization treatments
- composites
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