ORIENTED IMMOBILIZATION OF PROTEINS

Immobilized enzymes have found numerous applications in analytical, cl inical, environmental and industrial chemistry. However, in most cases , immobilization leads to partial or total loss of activity. It is wid ely believed that the loss in activity is due to attachment of protein s on the immobilization support through several amino acid residues. T his results in a random orientation of the immobilized protein and in increased structural deformation due to multi-point attachment. Severa l researchers have explored ways to orient proteins on surfaces, such that orderly organization, single point attachment and accessibility o f the active site (or binding site) are possible. This article reviews the various approaches available to achieve oriented immobilization o f proteins and its applications in several disciplines.