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An Overview of Microorganisms Immobilized in Gel Structure for the Production of Precursors, Antibiotics, and Valuable Products

Summary

This research explores how microorganisms can be effectively ‘trapped’ in gel-like materials to produce antibiotics and other valuable compounds more efficiently. This approach is similar to keeping beneficial bacteria in a protective environment where they can work more effectively and for longer periods. Impacts on everyday life: • More efficient and cost-effective production of antibiotics, potentially making medicines more affordable • Development of more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes for pharmaceuticals • Improved methods for producing beneficial compounds used in food and healthcare products • Potential for creating better biosensors for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring • More sustainable approaches to producing industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Background

The worldwide market of biopharma microbiology reached USD 6 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow to USD 18 billion by 2036. Using free microorganisms for industrial processes has limitations such as extensive substrate consumption, sensitivity to microenvironment, and separation challenges. Immobilizing cells in a matrix or support structure enhances enzyme stability, facilitates recycling, improves rheological resilience, and reduces bioprocess costs.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review of various cell immobilization methods using synthetic and natural polymeric materials for the production of antibiotics and valuable products. The study aims to compare stability and enzymatic activity between immobilized enzymes and their free native counterparts, while also examining methods used in sensor and biosensor applications.

Results

Immobilization methods showed significant improvements in enzyme stability and reusability compared to free cell systems. Crosslinking agents, especially covalent linkers, significantly affected the activity and stability of various biocatalysts. The molecular weight of polymers was found to be crucial in influencing oxygen and nutrient diffusion, hydrogel formation kinetics, rigidity, rheology, and mechanical properties important for long-term use.

Conclusion

Cell and enzyme immobilization demonstrates clear advantages over microorganism suspension states for producing various bioproducts and metabolites. The study established optimal conditions and process parameters for maximizing target product yields. The findings suggest that immobilization techniques can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of biopharmaceutical production processes.
  • Published in:Gels,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/gels10100646
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