Immobilization of dextranase from Chaetomium erraticum

In order to facilitate the Co-Immobilization of dextransucrase and dextranase, various techniques for the immobilization of industrial endo-dextranase from Chaetomium erraticum (Novozymes A/S) were researched. Adsorption isotherms at various pH-values have been determined for bentonite (Montmorillonite), hydroxyapatite and Streamline DEAE. Using bentonite and hydroxyapatite, highest activity loads (12,000 U g−1; 2900 U g−1, respectively) can be achieved without a significant change of the apparent Michaelis–Menten constant KM. For successful adsorption, enzyme to bentonite ratios greater than 0.4 (w/w) have to be used as lower ratios lead to 90% enzyme inactivation due to bentonite contact. In addition, covalent linkage using the activated oxiran carriers Eupergit C and Eupergit C250L as well as linkage with aminopropyl silica via metaperiodate activation of glycosyl moiety of dextranase are discussed. This is also the first report probing the structure of a matrix containing dextranase by use of substrate species with different molecular weights. From this we can observe a relationship between the porosity of Eupergit and dextran dependent activity. For the reactor concept using Co-Immobilisates, hydroxyapatite will be preferred to Eupergit because of its higher specific activity and dispersity.