Immobilization of Cells

This book presents a review of fundamental concepts of cell immobilization, and includes methods of immobilization, properties of immobilized cells, and areas of application. The mechanics of immobilization, kinetics of immobilized cell reactions, and approach to reactor design are discussed first, followed by the various methods of immobilization, including adsorption, covalent bonding, cross-linking, encapsulation and entrapment. The mechanical, biological and chemical properties of immobilized cells are then described, followed by application in areas such as pharmaceuticals, food products, beverages and industrial raw materials. The book presents a unified treatment of the topic and will be of value to research workers, academics and students in several interdisciplinary fields.

Contents: Introduction.- Methods of Cell Immobilization: Mechanical Immobilization. Covalent Attachment. Ionic Attachment.- Special Problems and Extended Applications: Special Problems and Techniques. Extension of Immobilized Materials. Immobilized Cells in Industrial Production.- Properties of Immobilized Cell System: Properties of the Microbial Cells. Properties of Enzymes in Immobilized Cells. Morphology of the Carrier.- Kinetics and Reactor Design for Immobilized Cells: Introduction. Effectiveness Factors. Reactor Types and Immobilized Cell Geometries.- Author Index.- Subject Index.