The sterol esterase from the ascomycete Ophiostoma piceae was immobilized on novel polyacrylate-based epoxy-activated carriers (DilbeadsTM). Six supports with particle sizes between 120-165 micrometers were prepared varying the composition of monomers, crosslinkers and porogens. Their surface areas and porosities were determined by N2 adsorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The pore volumes ranged from 0.63 to 1.32 cm3/g, but only DilbeadsTM RS and NK had narrow pore size distributions (with maxima at 33.5 and 67.0 nm, respectively). The distribution of the enzyme in the support was studied by fluorescence confocal microscopy. The immobilized esterase on DilbeadsTM TA showed a significant pH and thermal stability and was assayed in the continuous hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters -present in the pulp industry process waters-.

We thank Mª Teresa Seisdedos (Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC) for help with the confocal microscopy. This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (Projects BIO2002-00337 and BIO2003-00621) and Comunidad de Madrid (Project S-0505/AMB0100). We thank CSIC for a research fellowship

Peer reviewed