Immobilization of alliinase on porous aluminum oxide

Membrane filters prepared from porous aluminum oxide (Anopore) were investigated for their potential use as a durable support for enzymes. Alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4) was chosen as a model enzyme for immobilization experiments. To allow for smooth fixation, the enzyme was immobilized indirectly by sugar-lectin binding. Monomolecular layers of the lectin concanavalin A and alliinase were applied by self-assembling processes. As an anchor for these layers, the sugar, mannan, was covalently coupled to the membrane surface. This procedure exhibits several advantages: (i) enzyme immobilization can be carried out under smooth conditions; (ii) immobilization needs little time; and (iii) protein layers may be renewed.