Comparison of different methods of immobilization for lignin peroxidase production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Summary Phanerochaete chrysosporium was immobilized in agar, agarose and -carrageenan gel beads, nylon web, and polyurethane foam, and used for the production of lignin peroxidase in shake cultures on a carbon-limited medium. Nylon was found to be the best carrier, with the maximum lignin peroxidase activity (340 U/l) reached on the 7th day. The enzyme production rate was significantly lower with freely suspended mycelial pellets. Both nylon and polyurethane based biocatalysts were active for at least 38 days after the addition of veratryl alcohol. Best results were obtained when a spore inoculum was used instead of day-old pellets. -Carrageenan was found unsuitable as a carrier for lignin peroxidase production.