Invertase storage stability and sucrose hydrolysis in solids as affected by water activity and glass transition

Research continues to differentiate the impact of water activity (a(w)) and the glass transition temperature (T-g) on chemical reactions. Invertase wi th and without sucrose was incorporated into low and high molecular weight poly(vinylpyrrolidone) model systems (PVP-LMW and PVP-K30, respectively). I nvertase activity and sucrose hydrolysis were monitored during storage at a (w) = 0.32-0.75 and 30 degrees C. Pseudo-first-order rate constants for act ivity loss in PVP-K30 were not different, regardless of the system being gl assy or rubbery. In PVP-LMW, invertase stability decreased with increasing aw. An a(w) > 0.62 was required for sucrose hydrolysis to occur in PVP-LMW. PVP molecular weight appeared to affect invertase stability and reactivity . No dramatic change around T-g was found in either invertase stability or sucrose hydrolysis, suggesting that T-g-dictated mobility has a minimal eff ect on these reactions in amorphous solids.