Optimization by experimental design of polyacrylamide gel composition as support for enzyme immobilization by entrapment.

We have developed a methodology based on experimental design, to optimize a polyacrylamide gel as the support for enzyme immobilization, taking advantage of all the properties which this type of gel has. Monomer and crosslinking agent proportions are responsible for both the porous structure and pore size of the gel. A correct selection of those variables and suitable synthesis conditions leads to an increase in the activity retained by the gel. The path of steepest ascent method was used to obtain the relative maximum activity. The maximum retained activity was chosen with a central composite design in terms of the gel composition. The retained activity in the network, loss activity in the wash water, and loss activity due to steric impediment or blockage was modeled in terms of the variables responsible for the gel structure. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 53: 497-506, 1997.