APPLICATION OF IMMOBILIZED ALPHA-CHYMOTRYPSIN TO PEPTIDE-SYNTHESIS INFROZEN AQUEOUS SYSTEMS

In order to combine the high potential of frozen state peptide synthes is and the advantages of the application of immobilized proteases, the capability of carrier-bound cc-chymotrypsin (CT, EC 3.4.21.1) to form peptide bonds in frozen aqueous reaction mixtures was investigated. T he properties of the support materials strongly influenced the peptide yields. CT bound to rather hydrophobic supports catalysed peptide syn thesis as effectively as the soluble enzyme. The immobilized enzyme pr eparations could be successfully re-used at least 15 times. Peptide sy nthesis catalysed by immobilized chymotrypsin was also studied in low water organic reaction mixtures at sub-zero temperatures. The advantag es and limitations of the different approaches are discussed.