Immobilization of glucoamylase on macroporous spheres

Glucoamylase was covalently immobilized through the spacer-arm of the poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) spheres by using a glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The influence of the enzyme load applied to the support on immobilization, yield and specific activity, has been determined. Obtained specific activity was 700 U/g with immobilization yield of 35 %. The Km value for immobilized glucoamylase was 1.28 % (w/v), pH and temperature optimum were 4.5 and 70°C, respectively. The conversion of 20 % (w/w) starch hydrolysate achieved with the immobilized glucoamylase was 97 % after 5 hours.