Relation between flow pattern and de-activation of enzymes in stirred reactors

Enzymes and microbial cells are increasingly being used for a variety of bi ochemical transformations. During the process the enzymes/micro-organisms a re subjected to hydrodynamic stresses which can lead to their de-activation . This has enormous economic impact due to their high cost. In the present work, attempts have been made to relate the extent of de-activation with th e hydrodynamic stresses produced in impeller stirred reactors. The hydrodyn amic stresses produced by a variety of impellers have been compared. The ex tent of de-activation of cellulase enzyme has been co-related with the aver age hydrodynamic stress within the stirred reactor. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.