Entrapment of plant invertase within novel composite of agarose–guar gum biopolymer membrane

Invertase or β-d-Fructofuranosidase (E.C.3.2.1.26) was extracted from Cucumis melo. L. fruit (Family-Cucurbitaceae). Soluble, plant invertase enzyme was immobilized in novel composite of agarose–guar gum biopolymer matrix in the form of hydrophilic, porous membranes. The immobilized invertase was characterized for sucrose hydrolytic activity and leakage from the matrix support. The efficiency of immobilization was found to be 91% with negligible leaching. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax for free and immobilized invertase were also determined. Immobilized invertase was optimally active in the wide pH range of 4.5–6.5. The immobilization process also enhanced the thermal stability of enzyme up to 65 °C. Immobilized invertase membranes showed excellent storage stability with shelf life of 110 days. Entrapped invertase showed better operational stability and reusability up to 12 cycles. The fluorescence spectra of the composite membranes were studied and compared with that of soluble enzyme. All these characteristics of the immobilized invertase membranes make them suitable for the fabrication of biosensors.