In situ immobilization of alkaline protease during inverse suspension polymerization of polyacrylamide and poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) hydrogel beads

Abstract

We report the in situ immobilization of alkaline protease in highly porous polyacrylamide and poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) hydrogel beads synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization using ammonium persulfate, N,N,N′,N′,-tetraethylmethylenediamine as the redox initiator. The influences of reaction variables on the polymerization, conversion, enzymatic activity, water absorption, and LCST properties were studied in detail. Evaluation of the enzymatic activities on various substrates was carried out for potential applications in the detergent industry. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 2273–2291, 1999