The Application of Coenzyme-Dependent Enzymes in Biotechnology

The principal problems associated with the application of immobilized coenzyme-dependent enzymes in biotechnology are discussed. Particular emphasis is laid on the problems encountered in the covalent immobilization of the nicotinamide nucleotide oxidoreductases and on the special problems posed by the freely dissociable coenzyme. Thus the influence of the immobilization regime on the specific activity and stability of such enzymes and the techniques available for the immobilization, retention and regeneration of the coenzyme moiety are discussed. The solution of the dual problem of retention and regeneration by co-immobilized enzyme-coenzyme systems and the applications of enzyme-coenzyme systems in industry, medicine and analysis are also given. Finally, this report speculates on the future prospects for enzyme-coenzyme systems in biotechnology, how some of the problems may be resolved and how, in some cases, quasi-biological or non-biological systems may represent useful alternatives.