ABSTRACT
The enzymogel has revealed unique properties making it a novel type of phase-boundary biocatalyst. This chapter discusses the application of cellulase (CEL) enzymes to cleave cellulose chains and transform them to glucose which could be used for the production of biofuels or biochemicals. A multicycle hydrolysis of cellulose could be realized using both mechanisms of enzymogel bioactivity: multiple release and uptake of CEL by recyclable enzymogel or multiple use of the enzymogel with no release of CEL. One of unique and interesting aspect of enzymogel particles is related to magnetic field directed bioconversion process. High enzyme loadings make the use of nanoparticles more efficacious as long as a biocatalytic activity of the enzyme does not decrease significantly at increased loadings. The concentrations of glucose and total reducing carbohydrates after partial biocatalytic cleavage of cellulose with free enzymes and enzymogel nanoparticles were monitored to reveal the impact of pH and temperature.
