Researchers Exploring Methods for Immobilizing Enzymes for Re-Use in Cellulosic Ethanol Processes

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By Green Car Congress on 07/19/2010 – 3:20 am PDT

A South Dakota State University professor is exploring ways to re-use enzymes in processes such as making cellulosic ethanol. Working with enzyme company Novozymes, Dr. Basil Dalaly and his graduate student, Pavani Mandali, have evaluated several chemical methods to attach enzymes to beads. They then evaluated the enzyme activity, how well the enzymes attached to the beads, and other variables.

The ability to reuse enzymes would be a financial advantage in industrial processes that rely on enzymes.

Mandali, who is working toward her Ph.D. in biological sciences, said the SDSU research shows enzymes attached to the beads have 95% of their original activity when used a second time; 75% of their original activity when used for a third cycle; 50% of their activity when used a fourth time; and about 35 to 40% of their original activity when used for a fifth processing cycle.

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