Chitosanase was immobilized on chitin with glutaraldehyde by cross-linking reaction and the immobilization conditions and characterization of the immobilized enzyme were carried out. The optimal conditions for immobilization were as follows: 0.1 g chitin was treated with 5 ml 5% solution of glutaraldehyde and 2 mg chitosanase was immobilized on the carrier. Optimal temperature and pH for the immobilized enzyme were 60degrees C and 4.0, respectively. Kinetic parameter K-m was 17.66 g/l. The immobilized enzyme showed better temperature stability than the free enzyme and its operation and storage stability were good. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.