Immobilization of enzymes to porous‐bead polymers and silica gels activated by graft polymerization of 2,3‐epoxypropyl methacrylate

Abstract

Three types of organic polymers and bead-shape silica gels were activated by graft polymerization of 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate; in some cases, epoxide groups on the support surface were modified to NH₂ groups. Eight active matrices so obtained were assessed as supports for immobilized enzymes using peroxidase, glucoamylase and urease. The immobilization yield of protein and specific activities of enzymes were better with supports containing NH₂ groups than with those containing epoxide spacer arms. Maximum enzyme immobilization and storage stabilities were obtained with silica-gel beads activated by graft polymerization of 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate. With all eight matrices tested, the immobilized enzymes showed good stability with not less than 82% of the original activity persisting after 28 days. The developed matrices have potential for use in process-scale biotechnological operations.