α-Amylase is imperative for starch and its deriviatized industries. Functionalized graphene sheets were
tailored and optimized as scaffold for α-amylase immobilization using Response Surface Methodology
based on Box–Behnken design, with an overall immobilization efficiency of 85.16%. Analysis of variance
provided adequacy to the mathematical model for further studies. Native and immobilized functionalized graphene were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, followed by
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Wheat α-amylase conjugated with functionalized graphene sheets were visually evident on transmission and scanning micrographs while the FTIR spectra
showed interplay of various chemical interactions and bonding, during and after immobilization. Optimum pH and optimum temperature for immobilized enzyme though remained unchanged but showed
broader range whereas Km showed a slight decrease (1.32 mg/mL). It also showed enhanced thermal and
storage stability and retained 73% residual activity after 10 uses. These ensemble of properties and nontoxic nature of functionalized graphene, makes it viable to be absorbed commercially in starch processing industries