Immobilization of microbial cells and their biotechnological applications

This work presents an overview of different methods and carriers used to immobilize microbial cells. Methods of adsorption, entrapment and encapsulation of microorganisms are discussed, as well as of natural immobilization. The use of physical and chemical proceedings to immobilize cells in order to enhance the yields of bacteria, yeast and fungal metabolites by fermentation processes are described, as well as their biotechnological applications as biocatalystis.