Enzyme-coupled ultrafiltration membranes
OwnerHarry P. Gregorinventor
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Abstract
Pressure-driven conditions are used to activate and couple enzymes to ultrafiltration membranes such as a homoporous cellulosic membrane having pores of about 15-200 angstroms in diameter. The resultant enzyme-coupled ultrafiltration membranes can be used under pressure-driven conditions for enzymatic conversion of a substrate. The rate of conversion at low substrate concentrations is larger than the rate achieved with the native enzyme.
Claims4
A process for producing an enzyme-coupled ultrafiltration membrane comprising forcing a solution of cyanogen bromide under a pressure equivalent to at least about 30 psig through a homoporous cellulosic ultrafiltration membrane having pores of about 15 to 200 Angstroms in diameter thereby to form activated sites within such membrane, washing away excess cyanogen bromide and forcing a solution of chymotrypsin or beta-galactosidase through said membrane under a pressure equivalent to at least about 10 psig, the activated sites being reactive with said enzyme thereby to couple said enzyme to said membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.