ENZYMES, THEIR PREPARATION AND THEIR USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF AMMONIUM ACRYLATE

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB96/03080 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 24, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 24, 1998 PCT Filed Dec. 12, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/21805 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 19, 1997Nitrilase enzymes are provided which have Km at pH 7.0 for acrylonitrile of 500 mu M or below. The enzymes also have Ki at pH 7.0 for ammonium acrylate of at least 100 mM. In particular, the nitrilases have a value of the ratio of the said Ki to the said Km of at least 200. Particularly preferred nitrilases are obtainable from the microorganisms Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 40757 or NCIMB 40833. These nitrilases can be used in processes of converting acrylonitrile to ammonium acrylate in aqueous or vapor form and for detecting low levels of nitrile in aqueous or vapor form.