Immobilized biocatalysts
First Claim
1. An immobilized water-insoluble biocatalyst in particulate form consisting essentially of living cells in a gelling agent comprising gelatin which is cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, the biocatalyst being further characterized in that at least part of the water is removed from the cross-linked particles to give a dry matter content of at least 15%.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Immobilized water-insoluble biocatalysts in particulate form comprise living cells, particularly yeast, dispersed in a cross-linked gelling agent. An enzyme, particularly amyloglucosidase, may be co-immobilized in the particles. These particles are prepared by suspending the living cells in an aqueous solution of a gelling agent, dispersing this suspension in a water immiscible organic liquid to form a suspension in the liquid of aqueous particles comprising the living cells and gelling agent, gelling the gel and cross-linking the gelling agent. It is found that when living cells such as microbial cells and especially yeast are immobilized in this way, that surprisingly, not only is their viability retained, but the ability of yeast cells to produce ethanol under continuous fermentation conditions is significantly improved. Specific strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suitable for immobilization in this way, are described.
41 Citations
9 Claims
- 1. An immobilized water-insoluble biocatalyst in particulate form consisting essentially of living cells in a gelling agent comprising gelatin which is cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, the biocatalyst being further characterized in that at least part of the water is removed from the cross-linked particles to give a dry matter content of at least 15%.
Specification