Demethoxylation of pectin using immobilised Cuscuta reflexa pectin methylesterase

Pectin methylesterase from Cuscuta reflexa filaments has been immobilised on egg shell, gelatin and polyacrylamide. All three immobilised enzyme preparations showed an alkaline shift in optimum pH and a marked increase in thermostability. As determined by the degree of methoxylation, pectin methylesterase immobilised on egg shelf was reusable for 28 days followed by polyacrylamide 21 days and gelatin 17 days. The egg shell bound enzyme was also more stable to storage conditions and lost only 15% of its initial activity after 30 days.