Deacylation of benzylpenicillin by immobilized penicillin acylase.

Immobilized penicillin acylase preparations have much higher activities per unit volume than immobilized cell preparations. Many parameters of the deacylation reaction are dependent on pH and both reactant and one of the products, 6-aminopenicillanic acid, are acid and alkali labile. Acid is produced as result of the deacylation reaction and must be neutralised. The influence of these pH effects on the design of the catalyst and the reactor is discussed.