Immobilized

Immobilized is the past participle of immobilize and describes something that is fixed in place or movement is restricted. The term is used across fields to denote objects, tissues, or biological agents that have been held stationary to prevent motion, migration, or displacement.

In biochemistry and industrial biotechnology, immobilized enzymes, cells, or other biomolecules are attached to or confined within solid supports. Common immobilization methods include adsorption onto surfaces, covalent bonding to a matrix, entrapment in a gel or membrane, and encapsulation within microcapsules. Carriers such as porous polymers, silica beads, alginate or agarose gels, and glass provide large surface areas and support for repeated use. Advantages include easier product separation, the possibility of continuous processing, improved stability and reusability, and higher local effective concentrations. Limitations can include reduced apparent activity due to mass transfer barriers, enzyme leaching from the support, higher initial costs, and potential changes in optimum conditions (pH, temperature) for the immobilized form.

In medicine, immobilization refers to restricting movement of a body part to aid healing after injury or surgery. Methods include casts, splints, external fixation devices, and in some cases internal fixation using hardware. Immobilization aims to stabilize fractures, promote tissue repair, and reduce pain, but it can also lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, skin breakdown, or compromised circulation if prolonged. The duration and choice of immobilization depend on the injury, healing progress, and patient factors.

Overall, immobilization is a deliberate constraint of movement used to achieve stability, control, or reuse in various scientific and clinical contexts.