The lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) has been immobilized on chitosan-based hybrid (sodium alginate or carrageenan) matrices activated with glycidol (GLY), epichlorohydrin (EPI) or glutaraldehyde (GLU) groups. Then, the properties of the different biocatalysts have been evaluated and compared with the soluble RML. Thermal stability (at pH 7.0 and 60 °C) was significantly increased when compared to the soluble enzyme: 154-fold for chitosan 5.0% - GLU, 80-fold for chitosan 2.5% - carrageenan 2.5% - GLY and 93-fold for chitosan 2.5% - alginate 2.5% - EPI. The best biocatalyst preparation, which was 154-fold more stable than the soluble enzyme, was obtained when RML was immobilized on chitosan activated with glutaraldehyde 5.0% v/v. According to the results, it was concluded that RML immobilization on chitosan-based hybrid matrices using different chemistries greatly produced biocatalysts with different properties.

The enzymatic processes are increasingly highlights, especially in the synthesis of chemical products with high added value. The enzyme immobilization can improve industrial biocatalytic processes. The immobilization of enzymes provides the production of efficient, stable biocatalysts, possibility of reuse and easy purification of the products, when compared to the free enzymes. There is a growing research for more efficient methods of enzyme immobilization. In this context, the choice of support and immobilization strategy can significantly improve the final enzymatic properties. In this review paper, we aimed to discuss the versatility of biocatalysts immobilized enzymes design, focusing on the opportunities and disadvantages for each method presented. They discussed the recent development of enzyme immobilization methods and applications relating the final properties of the produced biocatalysts with the desired goals.