An Approach to Monodisperse Polymeric Particles as Matrices for Immobilization of Biosystems

In this paper, the benefits of using monodisperse polymeric particles as matrices to immobilize biosystems are presented and discussed. The nature of the polymer (natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic) and immobilization techniques were directly related to the performance of this process. In addition, this work reviews the major biological and synthetic entities that have been immobilized on monodisperse polymeric particles and their potential applications available in the literature. The research revealed that enzymes, proteins, cells, and drugs are the main entities immobilized on polymeric matrices. Several physicochemical characterization techniques were discussed to determine the presence of entities after the immobilization process. In addition, some applications of immobilized enzymes in different areas are also presented since this biomolecule was the most frequent entity in terms of immobilization on polymeric matrices. Finally, this review describes the main advances in polymeric materials used as supports for immobilizing biosystems due to their interesting physical and chemical properties.