ENTRAPMENT OF LIPASE IN SILICA GLASS BY THE SOL-GEL METHOD AND ITS ESTERIFICATION ACTIVITY IN ORGANIC MEDIA

Silica glass-entrapped lipase was prepared by the sol-gel method using tetramethoxysilane, and its esterification activity in n-hexane was e xamined for isoamylbutyrate formation. The hydrogel preparation contai ning a large amount of water exhibited enough activity. Although the a ctivity of xerogel-entrapped lipase drastically decreased probably due to shrinkage of the gel matrix, the lyophilized gel retained much hig her activity than the air-dried gel.