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Immobilization of Multi-biocatalysts in Alginate Beads for Cofactor Regeneration and Improved Reusability
Published on: April 22, 2016
Solubilization of fish proteins using immobilized microbial cells.
V Venugopal1, M D Alur, D P Nerkar
1Food Technology and Enzyme Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Bombay-400 085, India.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|April 5, 1989
Summary
Immobilized microbial cells secrete protease to break down fish meat, with Bacillus megaterium showing the highest efficiency. This technology shows promise for solubilizing waste proteins using extracellular protease activity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Extracellular protease production by microorganisms is crucial for protein degradation.
- Immobilization techniques offer enhanced enzyme stability and reusability.
- Fish processing generates significant protein-rich waste streams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of immobilized microbial cells for fish meat solubilization.
- To evaluate the protease activity and efficiency of different immobilized bacterial strains.
- To optimize conditions for protease-mediated fish meat solubilization and assess storage stability.
Main Methods:
- Cells of Bacillus megaterium, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas marinoglutinosa were immobilized in calcium alginate beads.
- Immobilized cells were incubated in fish meat suspension to assess protease secretion and activity.
- Solubilization efficiency was measured across varying pH, temperature, and substrate ratios.
- Storage stability of the immobilized cells was determined at 4 degrees C.
Main Results:
- Immobilized B. megaterium, A. hydrophila, and P. marinoglutinosa secreted protease, effectively solubilizing fish meat.
- Optimal solubilization occurred at pH 7.5–9.5 and 50°C.
- Immobilized B. megaterium achieved 30% meat solubilization, followed by A. hydrophila (18%).
- An optimal fish meat to bead ratio of 4:3 was identified for B. megaterium and A. hydrophila.
- Immobilized beads maintained viability and activity for 30 days at 4°C.
Conclusions:
- Immobilized microbial cells, particularly B. megaterium, demonstrate significant potential for efficient fish meat solubilization.
- The study highlights the feasibility of using immobilized extracellular protease activity for waste protein valorization.
- A prototype reactor system was developed for the recovery of immobilized beads, indicating practical applicability.

