Immobilization of β-galactosidase on novel polymers having Schiff bases.

We have developed a strategy to immobilize β-galactosidase as a model enzyme by using polymeric supports having Schiff bases, which were prepared from (aminomethyl)polystyrene and 2-phenlyindole-3-carboxaldehyde by condensation. β-galactosidase was immobilized onto the new polymer supports via covalent bonds. The influence of temperature, pH, reusability, and storage capacity on the free and immobilized β-galactosidase was investigated. Our results indicate that the (aminomethyl)polystyrene with Schiff bases is most suitable for the immobilization of β-galactosidase. These kinds of new supports can be used for the immobilization of β-galactosidase due to their strong storage capacity and reusability.