[Mass-transfer and kinetics of microencapsulated alpha-chymotrypsin action]

A theoretical model for transient and steady-state kinetics of microencapsulated enzymes action has been developed. The model is meant to overcome the diffusional limitations, caused by a microcapsulated membrane. The effects of various parameters (enzymatic reaction rate constants, enzyme concentration in microcapsules, membrane permeability, substrate concentration, and bulk pH values) on the overall apparent reaction rate have been analyzed using esters hydrolysis catalyzed by alpha-chymotrypsin encapsulated into polycarbonate membranes as an example.