EPOXIDATION OF PROPENE BY MICROBIAL-CELLS IMMOBILIZED ON INORGANIC SUPPORTS

Immobilization of gas-utilizing microorganism strains (Mycobacteria, Rhodococcus, methane-utilizers) on inorganic supports based on alumina, silicates, and carbon was carried out to develop heterogeneous biocatalysts for the biotechnologic processes, including the process of propene epoxidation. Adsorption ability of these microorganisms, biocatalytic properties of resting and immobilized bacterial cells, and effect of immobilization techniques on biocatalysis were studied. An approach of double immobilization using inorganic materials (supports and gel) was proposed as simple, universal, and available method to immobilize bacterial cells, resulting in a higher retention (up to 100%) of cells' enzymatic activity and enhanced stability.