Enzyme–iron oxide nanoassemblies: A review of immobilization and biocatalytic applications

Abstract

In the search for new biotechnological advances, increasing attention is currently being paid to the development of magnetic nanoplatforms loaded with enzymes, since, on the one hand, they can be recovered and reused, and on the other hand, they improve their catalytic activity and increase their stability, avoiding processes such as aggregation or autolysis. In this review, we evaluate a series of key parameters governing the enzyme–nanoparticle immobilization phenomena from a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view. We also focus on the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as multifunctional vectors able to anchor enzymes, summarize the most relevant aspects of functionalization and immobilization and, finally, describe some recent and relevant applications of the enzyme–MNP hybrids as biocatalysts with especial emphasis on cancer therapy.