ZEOLITES AS SUPPORTS FOR AN ENZYMATIC ALCOHOLYSIS REACTION

A recombinant cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi was immobilized by ad sorption on several zeolites and its activity towards the alcoholysis reaction of butyl acetate with hexanol, in organic media (isooctane), was measured as a function of the water contest and water activity. Th e effects of the zeolite framework composition (including cation natur e) and acidity were studied. The results were compared with other comm only used supports: polyamide Accurel-PA6, silica and alumina. Both th e nature of the cation and the silica:alumina (Si:AI) ratio of the fra mework revealed to be important parameters. The most promising results were obtained for supports with Little acidity and with lower SI:AI r atio. This last observation is in accordance with the results obtained with silica and alumina. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.