AbstractCell immobilization technology has shown much potential in the field of biological fermentation owing to its simple operation, maintenance of long‐term cell viability, repeatability, good stability, and high tolerance. Compared with free‐cell fermentation, immobilized cells show strong growth and metabolism performance in complex environments, such as environments with low pH, or with high concentrations of substrate and product. The metabolic properties of immobilized cells mainly depend on the carrier materials. In recent years, polymer membrane materials have attracted much attention because of their good mechanical properties and flexible support structure. In addition to improving the activity and stability of immobilized cells, biocompatibility modification can also be carried out on the surface of the carrier, which can reduce specific non‐biological interactions between the cells and the carrier. In this review, current advances in cell immobilization using different materials in the field of biological fermentation are reviewed. Perspectives on immobilized cells and the challenges associated with them in the field of biological fermentation are also addressed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd