The influence of pressure and solvent on an enzyme

The influence of pressure and solvent on an enzyme: From a general description of pressure and solvent effects to the specific effects of pressure and supercritical carbon dioxide on lipases

Peters, S.M.

de Swaan Arons, J. (mentor)
de Loos, Th.W. (mentor)
Stevens, R.M.M. (mentor)

Applied Sciences

1996-12

The effects of pressure and solvents on enzymes, especially on lipases, are described. First a general description of the conformation of enzymes in water is presented. Second, the effects of organic solvents on the conformation and catalytic activity of enzymes are described. Attention is paid to the effect of water, it is an essential part of the enzyme, it is part of the catalytic centre and it is responsible for the enzyme flexibility. The amount of water, which is bound to the enzyme is influenced by the nature of the solvent. Further an attempt has been made to translate the findings of these effects, pressure and solvent, to enzyme behaviour in supercritical fluids. To supercritical carbon dioxide, which is the most applied solvent, most attention is paid. Contradictory effects have been reported for this solvent on the reaction rate. In a supercritical solvent the physical properties are pressure dependent. So by choosing the optimum water activity the enantioselectivity and activity can be further optimised by adjusting the pressure.

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Student theses

master thesis

(c) 1996 S.M. Peters