Simple Enzyme Immobilization for Flow Chemistry? An Assessment of Available Strategies for an Acetaldehyde-Dependent Aldolase

Enzyme immobilization is a technology that enables (bio-)catalysts to be applied in continuous-flow systems. However, there is a plethora of immobilization methods available with individual advantages and disadvantages. Here, we assessed the influence of simple and readily available methods with respect to the performance of 2-deoxy-d-ribose-5-phosphate aldolase (DERA) in continuous-flow conditions. The investigated immobilization strategies cover the unspecific attachment to carriers via epoxides, affinity-based attachment via metal ion affinity, StrepTag™-StrepTactin™ interaction as well as the covalent affinity attachment of an enzyme to a matrix tethered by the HaloTag®. The metal-ion-affinity-based approach outperformed the other methods in terms of immobilized activity and stability under applied conditions. As most enzymes examined today already have a HisTag for purification purposes, effective immobilization may be applied, as simple as a standard purification, if needed.