Behaviour of pectinases under process conditions

Hydrolysis of pectic substances by pectinases were carried out under process conditions. Polymethylgalacturonase, polygalacturonase and pectinlyase are three enzymes studies in this regard. Pectin is used as the substrate for polymethylgalacturonase and pectinlyase whereas polygalacturonic acid was used as the substrate for polygalacturonase. The initial concentration was varied between 1.0 and 5.0 kg/m3 for polymethylgalacturonase and polygalacturonase and between 4.0 and 8.0 kg/m3 for pectinylase. Hydrolysis experiments were carried out by varying initial substrate to enzyme ratio and reducing groups formed are measured. The behaviour of pectinases during hydrolysis are studied from the plot of (reducing groups formed)/initial substrate vs. initial substrate to enzyme ratio. This study is helpful in predicting the amount of substrate and enzyme required to produce the required amount of reducing groups within a stipulated time.