IMMOBILIZED CELL Meaning and
Definition
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An immobilized cell refers to a living cell that has been physically or chemically attached or trapped within a matrix or support material, restricting its movement and confining it to a specific location. This technique is commonly employed in various fields, particularly biotechnology and industrial microbiology, to enhance the stability, productivity, and efficiency of cellular processes.
The immobilization of cells serves several purposes. Firstly, it increases the cell's resistance to environmental factors, such as temperature changes, pH variations, and shear forces, providing them with a protected and more stable environment for growth. Immobilization also facilitates cell recovery and reuse in multiple cycles, reducing costs and simplifying operation. This technique is especially useful for highly sensitive or fragile cells that may be easily damaged or lost during conventional cultivation methods.
To immobilize cells, numerous methods can be utilized, including entrapment, adsorption, covalent binding, and encapsulation. In entrapment, cells are embedded or trapped within a porous material, allowing necessary nutrients and waste products to pass through while hindering the cells' movement. Adsorption involves attaching cells onto a support surface through electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions. Covalent binding refers to the formation of strong covalent bonds between cells and a specific surface, ensuring their stable attachment. Encapsulation involves encapsulating cells within a semipermeable membrane or microcapsule, enabling the exchange of nutrients and metabolites.
While immobilization can enhance cell performance and longevity, it also imposes limitations. The restricted movement may affect certain cellular functions, reducing productivity or altering metabolic pathways. Additionally, mass transfer limitations can occur due to restricted diffusion, potentially leading to substrate and oxygen gradients within the immobilized cell system. Overall, immobilized cell technology offers a promising approach for optimizing cellular processes and holds
Common Misspellings for IMMOBILIZED CELL
- ummobilized cell
- jmmobilized cell
- kmmobilized cell
- ommobilized cell
- 9mmobilized cell
- 8mmobilized cell
- inmobilized cell
- ikmobilized cell
- ijmobilized cell
- imnobilized cell
- imkobilized cell
- imjobilized cell
- immibilized cell
- immkbilized cell
- immlbilized cell
- immpbilized cell
- imm0bilized cell
- imm9bilized cell
- immovilized cell
- immonilized cell
Etymology of IMMOBILIZED CELL
The etymology of the term "immobilized cell" can be broken down as follows:
1. Immobilize: The word "immobilize" comes from the Latin word "im-" (meaning "not") and "mobilis" (meaning "mobile" or "movable"). It refers to the action of rendering something incapable of movement or fixing it in place.
2. Cell: The term "cell" originates from the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "small hollow". It was first used to describe the basic biological unit of an organism by the British scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century.
Thus, the term "immobilized cell" refers to a cell that has been fixed or made stationary, preventing its movement or displacement.
