Immobilization of Streptomyces phaeochromogenes cells at a high concentration by radiation-induced polymerization of glass-forming monomers

Summary Characteristics of Streptomyces phaeochromogenes cells immobilized by radiation-induced polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate at low temperatures were studied. It was found that very high concentrations of cells could be trapped effectively on the surface of the polymer matrix. Glucose isomerase activity of immobilized cells increased with increasing cell concentration. No cell leakage from the matrix was observed with repeated use, even at very high cell concentration and low monomer concentrations. The Km value of immobilized cells decreased with increasing cell concentration and with decreasing monomer concentration; it was close to that of intact cells.