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A mathematical model for the generation and control of a pH gradient in an immobilized enzyme system involving acid generation
Author(s) -
Chen Guodong,
Fournier Ronald L.,
Varanasi Sasidhar
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0290(19980220)57:4<394::aid-bit3>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - chemistry , immobilized enzyme , enzyme , biochemistry , chromatography
An optimal pH control technique has been developed for multistep enzymatic synthesis reactions where the optimal pH differs by several units for each step. This technique separates an acidic environment from a basic environment by the hydrolysis of urea within a thin layer of immobilized urease. With this technique, a two‐step enzymatic reaction can take place simultaneously, in proximity to each other, and at their respective optimal pH. Because a reaction system involving an acid generation represents a more challenging test of this pH control technique, a number of factors that affect the generation of such a pH gradient are considered in this study. The mathematical model proposed is based on several simplifying assumptions and represents a first attempt to provide an analysis of this complex problem. The results show that, by choosing appropriate parameters, the pH control technique still can generate the desired pH gradient even if there is an acid‐generating reaction in the system. ©1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 57: 394‐408, 1998.