ENHANCED IN-VIVO CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OR PEG-MODIFIED CELLULASE COMPLEXFROM TRICHODERMA-REESEI

The cellulase complex from Trichoderma reesei was polyethylene glycol (PEG)modified with considerable retention of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase a ctivity, as evaluated by the carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) assay. Wh ile resistance towards heat denaturation was the same for either form, susceptibility towards proteolysis was slightly greater for the PEG-c onjugate, in contrast to most reports using other enzymes. The circula tory life of endoglucanase activity associated with the complex was en hanced upon PEG-modification. This was confirmed by demonstrating degr adation of chromogen-labelled substrate injected (i.v.) after 24 hr of administration of the PEG-ylated enzymes; in contrast the substrate r emained undegraded in mice pretreated with the native complex. The PEG -modified complex could be a good candidate for the treatment of pneum oconioses of textile workers exposed to cotton dust.