*Alginate-Based Applications in Biotechnology with a Special Mention to Biosensors DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110737*

preserving the structure and conformation of the enzyme. These requirements have led to the development a hetero-functional immobilisation matrix, which can offer multi-point stabilisation of the immobilised species. Alginate contains carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups, which can facilitate the conjugation and stabilisation of biomolecules. Moreso, via the hybrid approach, more functionalities can be introduced to the alginate for additional stabilisation.

Thiol, epoxy, and glyoxal group-containing immobilisation support matrices are documented to exhibit excellent biomolecular immobilisation and stabilisation capacity. Preparation of alginate composite with such hetero functionalities holds the prospect for exponential advancement of the application of alginate in industrial, biotechnological, and medical contexts. Thus, alginate and its derived composites hold a high prospect for the co-immobilisation and co-localisation of cells [175] and other biological payloads with emerging biotechnological uses.
