IMPROVED METHOD FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROPEROXIDE LYASE FROM CHORELLA

Hydroperoxide lyase converts fatty acid hydroperoxides to ore-fatty ac ids which, after further oxidation, are suitable for the synthesis of higher polyamides. An improved method utilizing an acetone powder step for isolation of this enzyme from the unicellular alga Chlorella was developed. Using this procedure a five fold increase in hydroperoxide lyase activity from Chlorella pyrenoidosa was obtained compared to pre viously used extraction methods. Other Chlorella species were assayed, and it was found that C. fusca also contained significant hydroperoxi de lyase activity.