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Supercritical Fluids Are Superior Media for Catalysis by Cross‐Linked Enzyme Microcrystals of Subtilisin Carlsberg
Author(s) -
Fontes Nuno,
Almeida M. Conceição,
Garcia Silvia,
Peres Célia,
Partridge Johann,
Halling Peter J.,
Barreiros Susana
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
biotechnology progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.572
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6033
pISSN - 8756-7938
DOI - 10.1021/bp000148m
Subject(s) - chemistry , supercritical fluid , subtilisin , hexane , enzyme , catalysis , chromatography , organic chemistry
We report on the performance of cross‐linked enzyme microcrystals (CLECs) of subtilisin Carlsberg in supercritical fluids (SC‐fluids). The catalytic activity of CLECs in SC‐ethane was found to be 2‐ to 10‐fold greater than in hexane under the same conditions, using CLECs dried by propanol washing. Air‐dried CLECs and lyophilized powders showed much lower activities, reflecting the same hydration hysteresis effects as in organic solvents. Reaction rates were much lower in SC‐CO 2 , especially at higher water activity, probably as a result of acid‐base effects of carbonic acid on the enzyme.