Optimization of maltodextrin hydrolysis by glucoamylase in a batch reactor

The hydrolysis of maltodextrins (10 DE) by glucoamylase was studied in a ba tch reactor at temperatures between 40 and 80 degreesC and substrate concen tration range from 17 to 300 kg/m(-3). The experimental data were fitted to a model including thermal deactivation of the enzyme. In the model, the re action rate was correlated with an extended Michaelis-Menten equation inclu ding inhibition by product, and the thermal deactivation of glucoamylase wa s fitted with a first-order reaction. The dependence of rate parameters on temperature was correlated using the Arrhenius equation. The differential e quation of the model was integrated and the optimal enzyme demand and tempe rature were determined for isothermal operation. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.