USE OF SPHERICAL TANNIN RESIN AS A SUPPORT FOR IMMOBILIZED ENZYME

Alpha-amylase (alpha-1, 4-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase 3.2.1.1) was used to investigate whether the spherical tannin resins made by the reaction of Mimosa (Acacia Mollissima, Wattle) tannin (condensed-type tannin) (MT) with formaldehyde could be used as a support for the immobilization of enzymes. It was found that the optimum pH range of the immobilized alpha-amylase was wider than that of native alpha-amylase, and the shelf life of the enzyme was increased by immobilization. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme could be used repeatedly, and in a continuous enzyme reaction increased a further advantage of the technique. On the basis of these data, it was concluded that this resin could be used as a support for the immobilization of enzymes.