Process to solubilize enzymes and an enzyme liquid product produced thereby.

摘要

This invention relates to a novel process for the recovery of enzymes obtained from enzyme-producing microorganisms, and to the liquid enzyme product recovered by this process. Typically, the enzyme-containing filtrate from a fermentation of an enzyme-secreting microorganism is concentrated and a precipitation agent such as a salt or an organic solvent is added to the concentrate, thereby forming a cake. Then, a polyol solvent is circulated through the cake to solubilize the enzyme or enzyme complex from the cake and provide a liquid enzyme product. Particularly effective is propylene glycol as the polyol solvent. The liquid enzyme product may be shipped as is or subjected to further treatment to remove the solvent and create an essentially solvent-free enzyme product. The process is especially effective for the recovery of alkaline protease or alpha amylase.