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

摘要

New nitrilase enzymes are provided which have Km at pH 7.0 for acrylonitrile of 500 mu M or below. New enzymes also have Ki at pH 7.0 for ammonium acrylate of at least 100 mM. In particular, new 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 vapour form and for detecting low levels of nitrile in aqueous or vapour form.