Breakthrough in enzyme immobilization: bamboo-based microreactor for efficient biotransformation

In the quest for sustainable and efficient biotransformation processes, researchers from Beijing Forestry University have made a significant breakthrough by developing a microreactor system using bamboo-based cellulose nanofibers. This innovation leverages the unique properties of bamboo, a highly renewable and abundant resource, to immobilize enzymes effectively.

The study, led by Dr. Yujie Fu and Dr. Jie Yang, utilized carboxylated bamboo-based cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) to create a microreactor system for enzyme immobilization. The BCNFs were prepared through an oxidation process using ammonium persulfate, followed by modification with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) to enhance enzyme loading and stability. The resulting microreactor system demonstrated remarkable efficiency in converting geniposide to genipin, a compound with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and food industries.

The researchers found that the immobilized enzymes retained high activity, with a transformation rate of geniposide reaching 93.10%. The microreactor system also exhibited excellent thermal stability and reusability, maintaining 76.47% of its initial activity after five cycles of use. These findings highlight the potential of bamboo-based nanofibers as an effective carrier for enzyme immobilization, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

See the article:

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2025.03.004

Original Source URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969825000192

Journal

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts