Immobilization of yeast cells in acrylamide gel matrix

Entrapment of yeast cells in a three-dimensional polymer matrix was achieved, and various properties of the polymer matrix as well as the invertase activity of the yeast cells were studied. When the matrix was highly cross-linked or synthesized from concentrated polymer solutions, its swelling ratio decreased. Invertase activity was found to increase with water content of the matrix. Cell content of the gel was found to affect adversely enzyme activity. The enzyme was found to retain its activity after seven runs with the same sample.