Immobilization of enzymes masks their active site

We studied the effect of immobilizing cellulase to carboxycellulose sodium by radiation polymerization on the masking of the active site of the enzyme. Masking of the enzyme during the preparation of immobilized enzyme was assayed at low temperature. The activity of immobilized enzyme was retained during repeated batch reactions, indicating that the enzyme was firmly trapped in the polymer matrix. Various compounds (designated monomers) were used to dissolve the carboxymethylcellulose; enzyme activity was affected by the nature of the monomer, by the monomer concentration, and by the solubility of the substrate in monomer.