Compositions containing enzymes bound to cationic copolymers
Disclosed are a method of adhering active enzymes to an inert support, the product produced thereby, and a method of using the enzyme-coated support in enzyme-catalyzed reactions such as the glucose isomerase-catalyzed conversion of glucose to fructose. The method includes the steps of coating an inert support with a cationic copolymer, preferably a polyamine, and most preferably a di-C 1 -C 6 -alkylamino-epichlorohydrin copolymer, and then adhering enzyme to the coated support in the absence of any intervening cross-linking agent.
1. A composition of matter comprising:
an inert support;
a cationic dialkylaminoepicholorohydrin copolymer comprising a di-C 1 -C 6 -alkyl amine co-polymerized with an α-halo-ω-epoxy-C 3 -C 6 -alkane and homologs thereof adhered to the inert support; and
an enzymatically-active enzyme adhered to the cationic dialkylaminoepicholorohydrin copolymer in the absence of any intervening cross-linking agent.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the inert support comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, titania, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, glass, organic polymers, and cellulose.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the inert support comprises silica.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the inert support is a particulate material having an average diameter equal to or smaller than about 30 mesh.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the inert support is a particulate material having an average diameter equal to or smaller than about 50 mesh.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the enzyme comprises glucose isomerase.
7. A method of performing an enzymatic reaction comprising catalyzing the enzymatic reaction using an composition of matter as recited in claim 1 .