MEMBRANE-TYPE IMMOBILIZED ENZYME REACTORS FOR USE IN FLOW-INJECTION ANALYSIS

Membrane-type reactors were prepared using a commercially available support. In three test systems, involving glucose oxidase, glutaminase and laccase, they compared favourably with packed-bed reactors in a flow-injection set-up. Although similar responses were observed for all reactor types, the membranes are easier to handle than microparticles. When making continuous in-line measurements of bioprocesses at high sampling frequencies, the lifetimes of packed beds of controlled pore glass were determined by pressure build-up within the reactor. When replaced with membrane reactors, no clogging was observed, the lifetimes being determined by loss of enzyme activity.