Silica-Binding and Silica-Forming Proteins for Enzyme Immobilization on Siliceous Materials

Enzyme immobilization has emerged as an essential technique in industrial applications of enzymes. Silica (SiO2) serves as a prominent support material for enzyme immobilization. Recent advancements have led to the development of various silica-binding proteins (SBPs) and silica-forming proteins (SFPs) that are invaluable tools in immobilizing enzymes on siliceous materials. SBPs facilitate the controlled orientation of enzymes on silica surfaces, while SFPs enable the biomimetic synthesis and encapsulation of enzymes within silica particles. This review categorizes SBPs and SFPs into naturally occurring and artificially engineered types, providing a comprehensive overview of their mechanisms and characteristics relevant to enzyme immobilization.