Immobilization of Glucose Isomerase-Containing Streptomyces phaeochromogenes Cells in Fine-Particle Form

A new preparation method for immobilizing Streptomyces phaeochromogenes cells in fine-particle form was investigated using radiation-induced polymerization at low temperatures with previously salted out hydrophilic monomers. Using this method, it was found that the glucose isomerase activity of the immobilized cell particles was markedly higher than that of immobilized cells in block form obtained without salting out of the monomer. The diameter of the particles was varied by changing the irradiation temperature or the concentrations of monomer and salt. The magnitude of the enzymatic activity increased with decreasing particle diameter. K(m) values of the immobilized cell particles were close to that of the intact cell. These facts suggested that the cells were trapped on the surface of the particle.