ABSTRACT
In biological systems most reactions do not occur at a perceptible rate in the absence of a biological catalyst, an enzyme. Enzymes are proteins with a specific geometric three-dimensional structure. Enzymes react very specifically, not only with respect to the type of catalyzed reaction but also in the choice of reactants, the substrates. The use of enzymes in analytical chemistry suffers from several disadvantages. In comparison to other analytical techniques, the main disadvantages are the limited availability and purity of the enzymes in combination with the instability of the compounds and the difficulties in handling of enzymes. The most important effect of a flow system on the activity of enzymes is the kinetic change. Enzymes have been immobilized on several support materials using several procedures. The chapter discusses the applications of enzyme reactors, sensors, and labels in liquid chromatography or flow analysis. It also discusses some alternative applications of the use of enzymes in flow systems.
