PROCESS FOR THE DECOMPOSITION OF ACRYLAMIDE

摘要

A process for the decomposition of acrylamide using an amidase (acrylamide amido hydrolase) enzyme in which the enzyme has been heated to a temperature in the range 40 DEG to 80 DEG to induce increased activity. A method for preparing the enzyme and a process for producing acrylic acid are also claimed. The process for the decomposition of acrylamide is useful in particular for reducing the level of unreacted monomer associated with homo- and hetero-polymers of acrylamide. A temperature in the range 58 DEG to 62 DEG is particularly preferred for heating.