Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is devoted to immobilization procedures for different biocatalytic entities. It discusses immobilization technology, and covers immobilization of plant cells and mammalian cells as well as organelles. The book also covers the alternative immobilization techniques, and presents immobilization of mammalian cells behind ultra filtration membranes, and the use of soluble, temporarily immobilized cells, in aqueous two-phase systems. It also discusses the different applications dealing with immobilized dead cells, immobilized viable cells, aerobic cells, anaerobic cells, and mixed cultures. The book is also devoted to the technical considerations of importance when using immobilized cells in large-scale processes. It also presents analytical applications of immobilized cells and the use of immobilized cells and cell membranes as affinity sorbents.