ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS USING ASYMMETRIC HOLLOW FIBER MEMBRANES

Abstract

An enzyme immobilization technique employing enzyme sequestration within the porous support regions of asymmetric hollow fiber membranes is described and experimentally evaluated. Reactor conversion data over a wide range of operating conditions agrees well with predictions obtained from a mathematical model developed previously. β-galactosidase immobilized by this technique was found to retain 100% activity for 60 hours of continuous reactor operation, and for 140 days when stored at 3°C. The effects on reactor performance of (1) enzyme adsorption by the membrane, and (2) axial redistribution of enzyme accompanying radial flow of fluid through the fiber wall, have been evaluated; neither process significantly alters conversion kinetics or efficiency for the substrate/enzyme system investigated.