STUDIES ON RIFAMYCIN OXIDASE IMMOBILIZED ON KAPPA-CARRAGEENAN GEL

Rifamycin oxidase from Curvularia lunata var. aeria was immobilized on kappa-carrageenan gel where the enzyme showed excellent catalyzing ac tivity and operational stability. Factors affecting the activity of im mobilized enzyme preparation such as pH and temperature were investiga ted. Thermostability of the immobilized enzyme preparation was checked at 30 and 40-degrees-C and it was found that the thermostability of t he immobilized rifamycin oxidase activity has increased compared to fr ee enzyme. Transformation of rifamycin B to rifamycin S was also carri ed out with the immobilized enzyme preparation. Kappa-carrageenan immo bilized rifamycin oxidase was also reused several times for the transf ormation of rifamycin B to rifamycin S.