Electrochemical enhancement of glucose oxidase kinetics: Gluconic acid production with anion exchange membrane reactor

Enzyme-catalysed reactions provide a means to perform many industrial processes because they enhance chemical reactions specifically and avoid the formation of by-products and the use of toxic organic solvents. Current enzyme applications range from laundry detergent supplements to the destruction of nerve gas agents. Although enzyme specificity is attractive there are also significant disadvantages to enzymatic catalysis. One of the principal disadvantages being relatively short lifetimes, ranging from a few hours to several days. However, literature has shown that by immobilizing an enzyme on a support matrix, the lifetime of the enzyme is increased since the rigidity of the support matrix helps prevent unfolding. Microfiltration membranes are often a good choice for enzyme attachment. The high surface area in the pores allows for enzyme attachment and reduction of mass transfer limitations.