| Abstract: | Barely β-amylase (α-1,4-glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) has been immobilized by covalent fixation to amino derivatives of epichlorohydrin crosslinked Sepharose mediated by cyclohexyl isocyanide and acetaldehyde. The enzyme conjugates contain up to 35% of the total activity of the β-amylase added to the coupling mixture. The profiles of activity versus pH and ionic strength are essentially the same for free and immobilized β-amylase, whereas the resistance to inactivation during storage and use is considerably enhanced by immobilization. Columns with immobilized β-amylase have been used for continuous degradation of starch. At 45°C, half of the initial activity remains after seven weeks, and the corresponding figure at 23°C is 85 percent. |
