Immobilization of enzyme biocatalyst on natural halloysite nanotubes

In this study, we use natural halloysite nanotubes as novel support materials to immobilize enzymes. Two typical industrial enzymes (α-amylase and urease) with different sizes were immobilized in channels of the nanotubes through simple physical adsorption. After 60 min heating, both immobilized enzymes retained more than 80% activity. Stored for 15 days, the immobilized enzymes still showed more than 90% activity. More than 55% initial activity of the enzyme was retained after 7 cycles. The immobilized enzymes exhibited thermal stability, good storage stability and reusability, which indicate that halloysite is a promising support material for enzyme immobilization.

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► Using natural halloysite nanotube as novel support materials for immobilization of enzymes.
► Two typical enzymes were immobilized on the nanotubes through simple physical adsorption.
► Immobilized enzymes retain a high fraction of their native activity.
► Low cost, the improved stability and reusability render halloysite potential support materials.