Isolation and immobilization of alkaline protease on mesoporous silica and mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite materials for improved catalytic properties

Abstract Alkaline protease from brinjal leaf ( Solanum melongena ) having milk clotting activity has been purified to 9.44 fold to a final specific activity of 45.71 U/mg. SDS-PAGE of the final preparation revealed a single protein band of approx 14 kDa. Purified enzyme was characterized and was successfully immobilized into the amorphous mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and crystalline mesoporous zeolite (Nano-ZSM-5) using entrapment method. Maximum immobilization of 63.5% and 79.77% was obtained with SBA-15 and Nano-ZSM-5, respectively. This protocol serves as a novel approach for bioprocesses, mainly as milk coagulant for local dairy products and particularly, cheese making, and opens the new dimension of further research and other innovation.