Integrated reversed micellar extraction and stripping of alpha-amylase

Biotechnol Bioeng. 1999 Jun 5;63(5):583-92. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0290(19990605)63:5<583::aid-bit8>3.0.co;2-u.

Abstract

In this work the possibility of integrating the two process steps-extraction of an enzyme from its source aqueous solution into an organic solvent containing reversed micelles and its stripping into another aqueous medium of appropriate composition is studied. The kinetics of enzyme mass transfer during the integrated process is investigated using a stirred cell with two separated compartments. The enzyme/surfactant system chosen consisted of alpha-amylase and the cationic surfactant CTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). Comparison between the classical extraction process and the "integrated reversed micellar extraction-stripping" is made. The enzyme activity changes during the transfer process are followed, and the registered tendencies are discussed. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.