IMMOBILIZATION OF BETA-GALACTOSIDASE ON CHITOSAN

The beta-galactosidase immobilization on chitosan was studied. Enzymat ic activity and stability were determined for the different conditions used. The best results were obtained on chitosan beads of 2.2 mm diam eter where the immobilization process was carried out at 37 degrees C with a 1% glutaraldehyde concentration and the addition of galactose. The higher activity values of the immobilized enzyme compared with tho se of the free beta-galactosidase could be obtained over a larger pH r ange and were at higher pH's and temperatures, but the best activity i s only 10.7% of the free enzyme values.