Preparation of cross-linked tyrosinase aggregates

Tyrosinase from mushroom was immobilized as a cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA) via precipitation with ammonium sulfate and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The effects of precipitation and cross-linking on CLEA activity were investigated and the immobilized tyrosinase was characterized. Sixty percent ammonium sulfate saturation and 2% glutaraldehyde were used; a 3-h cross-linking reaction at room temperature, at pH 7.0 was performed; particle sizes of the aggregates were reduced; consequently, 100% activity recovery was achieved in CLEAs with enhanced thermal and storage stabilities. Slight changes in optimum pH and temperature values of the enzyme were recorded after immobilization. Although immobilization did not affect V_max, substrate affinity of the enzyme increased. Highly stable CLEAs were also prepared from crude mushroom tyrosinase with 100% activity recovery.