Hydrolysis of glucosinolates using nylon-immobilized myrosinase to producepure bioactive molecules

Bioactive compounds were produced from natural glucosinolates, secondary pl ant metabolites, using myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase EC 3.2.3.1) isolated from ripe seeds of Sinapis alba. The enzyme was immobilized on gr anular nylon 6.6 with the crosslinking technique. Immobilized myrosinase di splayed extraordinary operational and storage stability. Using a small ther mostatted continuous packed-bed bioreactor, the enzyme activity was unchang ed after 15 days of continuous use at 37 degrees C and after >1 year of sto rage at room temperature. The bioreactor was particularly efficient in prod ucing pure isothiocyanates, but it was less efficient for pure nitrile prod uction. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.