Different cell disintegration methods were used for the liberation of intracellular carbonyl reductase from Geotrichum candidum, in its active form. Solid shear (bead milling) was proved to be the best method for the extraction of the enzyme. Various solid supports were checked for the immobilization of the purified enzyme. Carbonyl reductase was immobilized on silica with an optimized protein loading of 4 mg/g support. Cross-linking with glutaraldehyde rendered the preparation more stable and suitable for use in consecutive batches. Carbonyl reductase of G. candidum immobilized on silica support and cross-linked by glutaraldehyde was found to be highly efficient biocatalyst formulation for the production of S(-)-1(1'-naphthyl) ethanol. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.