Enzimlemi

Enzimlemi is a term used in biocatalysis and materials science to describe the deliberate use or installation of enzyme activity on a substrate or material, creating a functional, biocatalytic system. In practice, enzimlemi covers two related aspects: enzymatic modification of a substrate by enzymes, and the immobilization of enzymes on solid supports to enable reuse and continuous operation. The word is found in Turkish-language technical literature, built from enzım (enzyme) and lemi/leme indicating a process.

Mechanisms: Enzimlemi typically relies on immobilization strategies that preserve catalytic activity. Common methods include covalent bonding to surfaces via cross-linkers (glutaraldehyde), carbodiimide coupling (EDC/NHS), adsorption, and entrapment in polymers or gels. Affinity-based approaches (biotin-streptavidin, His-tag capture) are also used. Immobilized enzymes can be attached to beads, membranes, nanoparticles, or electrode surfaces, enabling reactors or biosensors. Critical factors are enzyme source and stability, orientation, loading, mass transfer, and compatibility with solvent or buffer.

Applications: Enzimlemi systems are used in food processing (e.g., lactose hydrolysis), pharmaceutical synthesis, environmental remediation (degradation of pollutants), and biosensing (glucose, lactate, or nitrate sensors). The approach offers advantages such as reusability, easier product separation, and operation under milder conditions, but challenges include activity loss over time, potential diffusion limitations, and higher initial costs.

See also: Enzyme immobilization, biocatalysis, biosensors.