Cartridge filter systems containing immobilized enzymes: Part I. Concept and features

Abstract Immobilized enzyme particulates positioned on the upstream surface of a cartridge filter were shown to provide effective catalytic conversion of a recirculating solution of reactant to product. This arrangement provided for low-pressure drop operation and minimal pH change across the catalyst bed, and no measurable loss in catalytic function was observed over the course of tens of reaction cycles in the laboratory. Although 60 larger scale (100 L) reaction cycles were insufficient to conclusively differentiate the cartridge filter reaction system arrangement from slurry batch operation, isolation of the enzyme from mechanical and chemical stresses normally associated with slurry batch processing operations is expected to lead to enhanced catalyst lifetimes when conducting the 500–600 reaction cycles that are typically desired for industrial biocatalytic systems.