The kinetics of carboxymethylcellulose--ficin in packed beds.

1. The kinetics of the hydrolysis of benzoylarginine ethyl ester in packed columns of CM-cellulose-70-ficin and CM-cellulose-90-ficin were studied. 2. The apparent Michaelis constant, K'(m), of these preparations was calculated and shown to be dependent on the flow rate at low rates of perfusion through the columns. 3. The values for k(3) of these preparations were calculated and shown to be nearly independent of flow rate. 4. A modified form of the integrated Michaelis rate equation was used to describe the action of these materials and its limitations are discussed. 5. The hydrolysis of solutions of casein by these columns was studied.