Immobilization of Microbial Cells and Or-ganelles by Entrapment with Urethane Prepolymers

Acetone-dried cells of Arthrobacter simplex were entrapped in several preparations of hydrophilic urethane prepolymers and their steroid converting ability was examined. SeVeral solvents, such as methanol and propylone glycol, wereeffective for the conversion of hydrocortisone to prednisolone. The stability of the immobilized cells during storage and on repeated reactions was also examined. Thisconvenient entrapping method was also applicable for the immobilization of cellular organelles. yeast peroxisomes. The entrapped peroxi-somessh owed the activities of alcohol oxidase and catalase.