Stabilization of intracellular enzymes.

摘要

The subject invention concerns a process for stabilizing intact or ruptured microbial cells having active enzymes associated therewith. Specifically exemplified is a process for stabilizing glucose isomerase producing cells of a microorganism belonging to the genus Ampullariella in the invention process the whole or ruptured microbial cells are contacted with a partially modified cationic polyelectrolyte, e.g., a partially modified polyamine, to stabilize and flocculate the cells. it is critical that the polyelectrolyte be partially modified; a fully modified or non-modified polyelectrolyte will not give the surprising beneficial results of the invention process. The flocculated cells are further stabilized by encapsulation with a partially modified cationic polyelectrolyte. The encapsulation can be done prior to or after the flocculated cells are cross-linked. The net effect is manifested by a dramatic increase in the half-life of the enzyme, thus. leading to a more effective use of the immobilized enzyme.