Increased activity of Chromobacterium viscosum lipase in aerosol OT reverse micelles in the presence of nonionic surfactants.

Abstract

Modification of AOT reverse micellar systems with various alkyl glucosides and nonionic surfactants was attempted in order to improve the activity to Chromobacterium viscosum lipase. Tweens and Tritons, having the poly(oxyethylene) chain, have been shown to be solubilized at the oil-water interface of AOT micelles. Alkyl glucosides were also solubilized at the interface. These additives form mixed micelles with AOT and increase the concentration of the micelles. In contrast, Spans were found to be solubilized in the micro water pool of AOT micelles. Addition of nonionic surfactants decreased the hydrophobicity of the reverse micellar systems. Improvement of the lipase activity was achieved by the addition of nonionic surfactants, because of suppression of the hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction between AOT and lipase. The addition of nonionic surfactant having a poly(oxyethylene) chain has been shown to effectively increase the activity of the lipase in reverse micelles.