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 is induced in strains of Methylophilus methylotrophus. A method for inducing 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. The activity of the enzyme can be increased by heating it to a temperature in the range 40 DEG to 80 DEG C.