CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF GLUCOSE-OXIDASE IMMOBILIZED IN SILICA HYDROGEL

The properties of glucose oxidase (EC1134) embedded in silica gel were investigated. The immobilized preparations retained 62 percent of the activity of the mobilized enzyme. The optimum pH value (5. 8) and temperature (30 degree C) were the same for the immobilized as for the soluble enzyme, but immobilized glucose oxidase had higher thermal and pH-stability. The constants of thermal and pH inactivation, and the Michaelis constants were calculated. The effects of various cations and proteins on the activity of the immobilized enzyme were studied; NH//4, K**P**L**U, Mg** plus and gelatin all increased the relative activity of the preparations to 93-96 percent of the soluble enzyme. Combined immobilized preparations of glucose oxidase and catalase were repeatedly used in the oxidation of D-glucose and the preparation of calcium gluconate.