Immobilized algae and their potential for use as biocatalysts

Algae are a largely untapped source of potentially useful biotransformations. Where algal immobilization is appropriate in exploiting this potential, methods fall into two categories: active entrapment and invasive adsorption, the choice of technique partly dependent on algal morphology. Current research on the use of immobilized algae is following a number of lines: as biocatalysts performing biotransformations and de novo biosyntheses, in energy production, for providing oxygen or NADPH₂ for coimmobilized biocatalysts, for the bioaccumulation of wastes, and for inclusion into biosensors.