The use of the inverted linear model of enzyme decay to plan a strategy for enzymatic batch reactions and to assess the industrial applicability of immobilized enzyme preparations

This article is concerned with the development of a model to plan a strategy for an enzymatic batch process where enzyme is subjected to deactivation described by the inverted linear decay model. The particular system studied is the enzymatic hydrolysis of penicillin to 6-amino penicillanic acid (6 APA), but the model can be utilized with other batch systems as long as the decay of the immobilized enzyme (IME) preparation is described by the inverted linear decay model. The model developed is eminently practical and simple and several example of its application are shown. Experimental data obtained in a small pilot plant batch recirculated reactor on the average are well fitted by this model. For IME systems whose decay is best described by the first-order decay model, it is not possible to use the same approach.