Inorganic Materials Applications in Biotechnology: Past, Present, and Future Article Swipe
Biotechnological processes are based on the use of various biocatalysts such as microorganisms, enzymes and plant and animal cells. Many biotechnological processes require the presence of inorganic materials as support and protection for the biocatalysts or as substrate. Traditionally, inorganic materials are used in filtration processes or as adsorbents. The removal of unwanted ions from drinking and process water and unstable molecules from food still depends on inorganic adsorbents. One of the applications of inorganic materials in biotechnology is the support of biocatalysts, i.e. immobilization. The most important biotechnological processes that rely on immobilized biocatalysts are some industrial enzyme processes and wastewater treatments. Microbial cells immobilized on inorganic solid supports have also been used for the production of various food products. For these applications, materials such as glass, ceramics and natural minerals are used in various stages of modification. Inorganic materials are also suitable for transformation into new forms under the action of biocatalysts. The most important process of this type is biomineralization. A good example of the application of biocatalysts in mineralization is the formation of bioconcrete, a new, promising material (with lower CO2 emissions) with the potential for self-healing.
