Biodegradation of environmental pollutants using horseradish peroxidase

High stereoselectivity, catalytic efficiency, and sustainability outcomes impart desired candidature to enzymes for catalytic transformation processes, to replace conventional synthetic methodologies. Due to high versatility, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based catalytic systems are widely being applied in chemical and/or biological transformation processes. However, as several other enzymes, HRP also destabilize or denature in harsh conditions because of its intrinsically sensitive nature, which increases the bioprocess cost and shorten the lifespan of the enzymes. To overcome stability and recyclability issues, biocatalytic immobilization is performed on biopolymer and/or nanostructured materials which impart useful characteristics for various industrial and biotechnological processes. The nanomaterial design for immobilization support, having the greater surface area, fascinating features, and high mechanical and chemical stability, have recently gained research interest in the immobilization of HRP and other enzymes. Many systems for biocatalytic immobilization have reported improved characteristic performance than the enzymes in free form, for example, selectivity, efficiency, recyclability, and stability, due to the defense against microenvironment provided by the various nanostructure materials. This chapter aims to highlight the advancements in production and immobilization of HRP using the variety of support matrices. In addition to improved catalytic features, physicochemical aspects, and rapid implementation in practicalities of engineered HRP-based catalytic systems, has also been discussed with appropriate examples.