Biodegradation of Phenol Using Immobilized Bovine Liver Catalase

Catalase is one of the most potent biocatalyst which can oxidize potentially harmful toxins. Catalase is an abundant natural enzyme which is used in food industry, analytical applications (bio sensor) and textile industry to remove pollutants because of its high activity. Since catalase has many industrial applications, immobilization of catalase in solid support makes it heterogeneous catalyst which is advantageous for commercialization of the catalyst. The most recent and interesting advancement in size, morphology control and surface functionalization of mesoporous silica have enhanced the biocompatibility of these materials with high surface area and pore volume. The unique properties of mesoporous silica materials have attracted substantial interest for use as enzyme-immobilization matrices. Current research demonstrates that enzymes immobilized via adsorption and covalent binding on mesoporous silica retain their biocatalytic activity and are more stable than enzymes in solution. In this work, the influence of pH, temperature, buffer concentration and thermodynamic parameters of activation are evaluated.