Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol.54, No.3, 251-261, 1997
Model Development for Horseradish-Peroxidase Catalyzed Removal of Aqueous Phenol
Once activated by hydrogen peroxide, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzes the oxidation of aqueous aromatic compounds to produce high molecular weight polymers of low solubility. A pseudo steady-state kinetic model of the HRP-hydrogen peroxide-aromatic compound system was modified to incorporate enzyme inactivation mechanisms in order to improve its predictive ability. The kinetic constants of the model were calibrated using a series of experimental data sets. The model’s ability to predict the time-dependent removal of phenol within the range of 0.5-6 mM from a batch reactor was validated. The model accounts for permanent losses of enzyme activity through inactivation by free radicals as well as interaction with end-product polymers as they form.