Characterization of a glucoamylase immobilized on chitin

Abstract

Glucoamylase (E.C. 3.2.1.3) covalently immobilized on chitin particles (24–60 mesh) showed an average activity of 1000 U g⁻¹. Temperature and pH optima were 60°C and 3·6, respectively. These values were lower than the corresponding ones for the free enzyme (pH 4·4, temperature 65°C). The K_m (Michaelis constant) values for soluble starch and hydrolyzed manioc starch were, respectively, 1·25 and 3·94 g litre⁻¹ (free enzyme) and 8·6 and 7·8 g litre⁻¹ (immobilized enzyme).