ZEOLITES AS SUPPORTS FOR ENZYMATIC-HYDROLYSIS REACTIONS - COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF SEVERAL ZEOLITES

Fusarium solani pisi recombinant cutinase was immobilised by adsorptio n on different zeolites and its activity towards the hydrolysis reacti on of tricaprylin was measured. It was observed that the enzyme immobi lised over most of the zeolites used (NaA, NaX, NaY, NaUSY and modifie d forms) was active for this reaction, although the specific activity depended strongly on the structure and composition of the zeolite supp ort. This preliminary study of the use of zeolites as supports for enz ymes was also extended by the analysis of the influence of the water c ontent and of the thermal stability of one of the preparations. It can be concluded that the prospective use of zeolites as supports for enz ymes in reactions involving organic media is very promising.