Phytase Immobilization on Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Improves Its Properties for Use in Animal Feed

The enzyme phytase has important applications in animal feed, because it favors the bioavailability of phosphorus present in phytate, an antinutritional compound widely found associated with plant proteins. However, for feed applications, the phytase must withstand high temperatures during the feed pelleting process, as well as the gastrointestinal conditions of the animal. This work evaluates the feasibility of immobilizing phytase on hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, in order to improve its properties. HA is a material with excellent physicochemical characteristics for enzyme immobilization, and it can also act as an inorganic source of phosphorus and calcium in animal feed. The strong affinity of the phytase for the support resulted in rapid adsorption, with total immobilization yield and recovered activity greater than 100%. After immobilization, the phytase showed a broader activity profile in terms of pH and temperature, together with considerably higher thermoresistance at 80 and 90 °C. As a proof of concept, it was shown that the phytase immobilized on HA presented good resistance to acidic conditions and resistance to proteolysis when passing through simulated gastrointestinal conditions of fish. The findings showed that phytase immobilized onto HA presents suitable properties and has great potential for use in animal feed.