ACYLATION OF AMINO-ACIDS BY AMINOACYLASE IN NONCONVENTIONAL MEDIA

N-Acylation of amino acids by aminoacylase (EC 3.5.1.14) isolated from pig kidney was investigated. In water containing organic solutions na tive aminoacylase proved to be unsuitable for acylation reactions. Cov alent immobilization enhanced the stability of aminoacylase in organic solvents (dimethylformamide and dioxane). The support gel beads showe d extraordinary swelling behaviour in dimethylformamide solutions of d ifferent water content with respect to their liquid uptake and the tem perature sensitivity of swelling. N-Acylation activity of immobilized enzyme proved to be sufficient in case of L-methionine as substrate an d acetate as acylating agent. In addition, the peptide (Ala-Ala) forma tion was unambiguous but the reaction was much slower than acylation u nder the given conditions.