Abstract
Bacillus subtilis strain-MK1 α-amylase was successfully immobilized on Chitosan-magnetic nanoparticles (Ch-MNP) that had been modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and glutaraldehyde (GA). Optimization of Ch-MNP/PEI/GA beads modification by Central Composite design enhanced the immobilization yield (IY %) by 1.5-fold. Ch-MNP/PEI/GA was characterized before and after modification and immobilization by FTIR and SEM. Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme showed the same pH optima of free enzyme, while an elevation 10 °C in temperature optima was observed after its immobilization. Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme displayed higher Km and Vmax values (2.1 and 1.2-fold) and lower Vmax/Km ratio (1.7-fold), respectively than the free enzyme. Compared to the free enzyme, Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme exhibited lower activation energy, lower deactivation constant rate, higher D-values, higher half-life, and higher energy for denaturation. Immobilization of α-amylase increased enthalpy (4.2-fold), free energy (1.1-fold) and decreased entropy (4.6-fold) of thermal inactivation. A significant increase in pH stability of Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme was observed especially at alkaline pH values. In addition, Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme preserved 83.2 % of its initial activity after 15 consecutive cycles. When storing Ch-MNP/PEI/GA/Enzyme at 4 °C the residual activity was 100 and 86 %, respectively after 21 and 40 days. Finally, immobilization process improved the catalytic properties and stabilities, thus raising the suitability for industrial processes with lower cost and time.