Synergism in enzyme-nanomaterial constructs for select applications in environment and food

The immobilization of enzymes on nanomaterials is an established strategy for enhancing the operational stability and performance metrics of the enzyme. Considering the deep correlation between functioning of enzymes and the integrity of their three-dimensional structure, methods for immobilizing enzymes on surfaces such as on nanomaterials seek to minimize disruptive forces experienced by the enzymes. Innovations in enzyme-nanomaterial construction are thus discussed mostly from an enzyme-centric perspective. In this chapter we broaden the perspective on enzyme-nanomaterial constructs to recognize the functional contributions of the nanomaterial component that extend beyond simply serving as a physical support for enzymes. We review reported applications of immobilized enzymes in unrelated domains of environment and food to highlight the compatibility of specific nanomaterials and their ability to elicit emergent behaviour of the enzyme-nanomaterial constructs. The hitherto less explored perspective on synergism described in this chapter is likely to motivate research into choice of nanomaterials and conjugation strategies with enzymes, ultimately facilitating improvements in the design, efficacy and scope of use of enzyme-nanomaterial complexes.