The immobilized whole cell system is an alternative to enzyme immobilization

Immobilized enzyme

An immobilized enzyme is an enzyme that is attached to an inert, insoluble material such as calcium alginate . This can provide increased resistance to changes in conditions such as pH or temperature...

. Unlike enzyme immobilization, where the enzyme is attached to a substrate (such as calcium alginate), in immobilized whole cell systems, the target cell is immobilized. Such methods may be implemented when the enzymes required are difficult or expensive to extract, an example being intracellular

Intracellular

Not to be confused with intercellular, meaning "between cells".In cell biology, molecular biology and related fields, the word intracellular means "inside the cell".It is used in contrast to extracellular...

enzymes. Also, if a series of enzymes are required in the reaction; whole cell immobilization may be used for convenience.This is only done on a commercial basis when the need for the product is more justified.

Advantages

Multiple enzymes may be introduced into the reaction, thus eliminating the need for immobilization of multiple enzymes. Furthermore, intracellular enzymes need not be extracted prior to the reaction; they may be used directly.

Disadvantages

Some enzymes may be used for the metabolic needs of the cell, leading to reduced yield.