Entrap-immobilization of enzyme on composite gel fibre using a gel formation of cellulose acetate and metal (Ti, Zr) alkoxide

An enzyme is entrap-immobilized in the gel fibre of a cellulose acetate-metal oxide composite using a gel formed from cellulose acetate and metal (Ti, Zr) alkoxide. It seems that the gel formation is due to coordination bondings between OH and carbonyl groups on the pyranose ring and the metal. The gel fibre is stable in common solvents, phosphate solution and electrolyte solution over a wide range of pH from 4 to 10. The immobilized enzyme is stable for a long period and can be used in a packed column. The pH maximum of activity shifts to a move alkaline side compared to the native enzyme, reflecting the amphoteric property of the metal oxide. This immobilization can be easily and quickly accomplished. However, the process is not applicable to an enzyme which is deactivated by exposure to an organic solvent. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd