Design and Characterization of Hierarchical Porous Inorganic Solids for Enzyme Immobilization

This chapter describes the production of biocatalysts based on silica and related inorganic materials. The emphasis is put on the use of hierarchical porous silica for encapsulation of large enzymes such as β-galactosidases. These as-synthesized materials are used for enzyme immobilization by adsorption. However, they are chemically modified for improving the enzyme thermal stability and avoiding lixiviation. These materials and encapsulating routes are expanded to other enzymes, like lipases. At the end of the chapter, the future of the composite carbon/silica materials is envisaged.