Immobilization of α-amylase from Exiguobacterium sp. DAU5 on Chitosan and Chitosan-carbon Bead: Its Properties

Glutaraldehyde was used as a cross-linking agent for immobilization of purified ${\alpha}$-amylase from Exiguobacterium sp. DAU5. Befitting concentration of glutaradehyde and cross-linking time is the key to preparation of cross-linking chitosan beads. Based on optimized immobilization condition for ${\alpha}$-amylase, an overall yield of 56% with specific activity of 2,240 U/g on chitosan beads and 58% with specific activity of 2,320 U/g on chitosan-carbon beads was obtained. The optimal temperature and pH of each immobilized enzyme activity were $50^{\circ}C$ and 50 mM glycine-NaOH buffer pH 8.5, respectively. Those retained more than 75 and 90% of its maximal enzyme activity at pH 7.0-9.5 and after incubation at $50^{\circ}C$ for 1 h, respectively. In addition, the immobilization product showed higher organic-solvent tolerance than free enzymes. The mode of hydrolyzing soluble starch revealed that the ${\alpha}$-amylase possessed high hydrolyzing activity. These results indicate that chitosan is good support and has broad application prospects of enzyme immobilization.